EU sees adoption of legislation to establish a High Anti-Corruption Court as a positive development

The FINANCIAL — EU reacted to Ukraine’s adoption of legislation to establish a High Anti-Corruption Court by saying it is a positive development.

The legislation is also “in accordance with Ukraine’s international obligations and to the benefit of Ukrainian citizens and businesses,” a statement by the Spokesperson of the EU highlighted. “The establishment marks a significant step in the crucial fight against corruption in Ukraine, which is a key component of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and follows the commitments taken by Ukraine during the EU-Ukraine Summit on 9 July in Brussels.”

Once established, the High Anti-Corruption Court shall complete the chain of independent anti-corruption institutions in the country that also includes the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor. “The EU underlines the need for all anti-corruption institutions to be fully independent and carry out their tasks free from undue influence,” the EU statement added. “To this end, it is important that the integrity and credibility of the Office of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor and its leadership are upheld and reinforced.”

The EU said it looks forward to the court being fully operational before the end of the year as this is the intention of the authorities. “What counts now, what will support the country and its people to fight against corruption, will be the full implementation of this act,” the EU statement said, concluding that “[the EU] stands ready to support the process”.