Ukraine Reverses Course, Restores Independence to Key Anti-Corruption Bodies

A protest was also held in Kiev on July 30.

In a dramatic and swift reversal, the Ukrainian government has undone a controversial law that briefly stripped the country's key anti-corruption agencies of their independence. The move comes after a week of intense domestic protests and sharp criticism from Western allies, highlighting the ongoing tension between internal political interests and the nation's commitment to democratic reforms.

On July 31, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a new law to restore the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The bill, presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky, passed with overwhelming support—331 deputies in favor and none against. President Zelensky announced he had signed the law on the same day.

The Controversial Law and Its Fallout

This reversal came just nine days after the parliament, on July 22, had passed a different law that had the opposite effect. That bill, which critics argued was adopted with "blatant procedural violations," had subordinated both NABU and SAPO to the control of the Prosecutor General, an appointee of the president. The law was immediately signed by Zelensky, a move described as "unique" in Ukrainian political practice and one that fueled suspicions of high-level approval for the plan.

NABU and SAPO were created after 2014 with the support of Kyiv's Western partners to combat high-level corruption. The initial move to limit their independence triggered a strong reaction. Protests erupted in several cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, despite the restrictions on mass gatherings under martial law. Protesters carried signs with slogans like "Corruption Kills" and "My dad didn't die for this," expressing deep dissatisfaction with the government's action.

Internationally, the move also drew sharp criticism. According to the Financial Times, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa called Zelensky to urge him not to sign the bill. The European Union, citing the independence of anti-corruption bodies as a "cornerstone of the rule of law" and a condition for Ukraine’s EU integration, reportedly threatened to suspend financial aid. This threat was a significant factor, as Ukraine is almost entirely dependent on Western financial assistance during its war with Russia.

The Swift Reversal

Under mounting pressure, Zelensky’s administration quickly changed course. On July 24, the president announced he would introduce a new bill to restore the agencies' independence. "It is very important to hear what society is saying," Zelensky stated at a press conference. "I believe it is absolutely normal to react when people don't want something."

The new law restores the procedural independence of NABU and SAPO. It also includes a provision for mandatory polygraph tests for NABU detectives with access to state secrets. These tests will be conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to screen for possible Russian influence. Both NABU and SAPO supported the new bill, with its leaders stating they participated in its development.

However, the rapid legislative U-turn has left some friction. Ukrainian media outlets noted that dozens of deputies, particularly from Zelensky’s "Servant of the People" party, were hesitant to vote for the new bill. This reluctance, according to BBC sources, stems from fears that a fully independent NABU and SAPO would target them in new investigations. NABU reminded parliament that 31 sitting deputies are already suspects in its ongoing criminal cases.

The Path Forward

While the crisis has been averted and the independence of the anti-corruption bodies is officially restored, the European Commission emphasized that this is "not the end of the process." EC representative Guillaume Mercier welcomed the new law but stressed that Ukraine's path to EU membership requires sustained efforts against corruption and a commitment to the rule of law.

Mercier listed several other reforms the EU expects Ukraine to pursue in the short term, including:

The prompt appointment of the head of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine.

The restoration of international experts in the High Qualification Commission of Judges.

The appointment of four international judges to the Constitutional Court.

The rejection of problematic changes to the Criminal Code and the adoption of a new law on the Administrative Court.

The European Commission confirmed that, contrary to earlier media reports, it has no plans to freeze financial aid to Ukraine in light of the situation being resolved. The episode demonstrates the power of civil society and international partnerships in safeguarding crucial reforms, but also highlights the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces on its journey toward full European integration.