The European Union has expressed concern over recent changes impacting the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) amid the adoption of bill No. 12414 by the Verkhovna Rada.

Brussels is troubled by the passing of a law that restricts NABU's operations.

Spokesperson for the European Commission, Guillaume Mercier, stated that the EU is worried about the latest developments.

This information was relayed by NV from the EU representation in Ukraine.

Mercier underscored that the independence of NABU and SAP is critical for the agenda of reforms in Ukraine, as they combat corruption and maintain public trust.

He emphasized that the EU provides significant financial assistance to Ukraine contingent on progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance. Furthermore, he pointed out that Ukraine's accession to the EU will require a strong capacity to fight corruption and ensure institutional resilience.

“The EU will continue to monitor the situation and support Ukraine in upholding the rule of law,” the European Commission added.

At the same time, according to “European Truth”, Mercier stated that the European Union currently does not intend to raise the issue of suspending financial aid to Ukraine due to these actions.

“This matter is not being discussed at the moment,” Mercier stated.

He explained that when it comes to the financial support provided by the EU to Ukraine, there are several decision-making systems and monitoring mechanisms that could theoretically be applied. “So, preventive mechanisms exist. But we will see if we ever get to that point,” the spokesperson for the European Commission remarked.

The Director of NABU, Semen Kryvonos, expressed that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, by supporting bill No. 12414, has effectively dismantled the anti-corruption infrastructure.

This has been reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

“This law creates a threat to our country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Two independent institutions – NABU and SAP – are being placed under a dependent regime,” said the NABU director during a briefing on Tuesday, July 22.

It is worth noting that today the Verkhovna Rada passed bill No. 12414, which experts estimate gives the Attorney General the authority to interfere in NABU investigations and transfer cases to other law enforcement agencies.

The Rada has passed a bill that may subordinate NABU and SAP to the Attorney General.

Today, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed bill No. 12414, which had previously been criticized in parliament and by anti-corruption organizations, including Transparency International, as an attempt to strip the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) of their independence.

263 lawmakers voted in favor of the controversial bill.

These amendments to the law make the Attorney General the de facto head of SAP, allowing for direct influence over NABU.