Key Facts
• July 31, 2025: Ukraine passed a law restoring independence of two anti-corruption agencies.
• The law was approved by the parliament and signed by President Zelensky.
• The previous law, enacted on July 22, 2025, limited agency independence.
• Agencies affected: National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).
• July 22 law placed agencies under the Prosecutor General, sparking criticism.
• Domestic protests and international concerns from the EU and G7 followed.
• Zelensky submitted a new bill to reverse the controversial law.
• Parliament expedited the review and approval process for the new legislation.
Summary
Ukraine has swiftly reversed a controversial law that limited the independence of its key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). The initial law, passed on July 22, 2025, placed these agencies under the control of the Prosecutor General, raising concerns about potential interference in corruption investigations. Following widespread domestic protests and international criticism from the European Union and G7 nations, President Volodymyr Zelensky introduced a new bill to restore the agencies’ independence. The Ukrainian parliament approved the legislation on July 31, 2025, and Zelensky promptly signed it into law. This rapid legislative correction highlights Ukraine’s commitment to addressing corruption and aligning with international standards as it seeks European Union membership.
