Anti-graft agencies vote 'hampers' Ukraine's EU path, says Germany
"I expect Ukraine to continue with determination its efforts in combating corruption," Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a post on X.
According to Germany's Bild daily, Mr Wadephul spoke on the phone with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha this morning urging him to continue the fight against corruption there.
Mr Wadephul also said he had met the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), the two agencies affected, during a recent visit to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill yesterday, revoking the autonomy of the two anti-corruption agencies, a proposal that has sparked protests in Kyiv and alarm among the country's international backers.
Critics say the legislation consolidates power in Mr Zelensky's hands and will allow government meddling in high-profile graft cases.
The European Union called the decision a "serious step back", while hundreds gathered in central Kyiv to oppose the measure.
Ukraine lodged a bid to join the EU in the aftermath of Russia's assault in February 2022, with accession talks kicking off in June 2024.
The country has taken a tough stance on corruption in recent years, both as a prerequisite to joining the EU and to reassure allies who have sent wartime aid, but investigators say it remains a serious problem.
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