The European Commission, in its report on EU enlargement for 2025, noted the increasing pressure on Ukrainian civil activists, particularly those representing anti-corruption organizations. The document emphasizes that state structures are conducting criminal investigations against such organizations, raising concerns within the international community.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Concerns of the European Commission Regarding the Independence of Anti-Corruption Institutions
“Anti-corruption institutions and civil society organizations report an increase in pressure from state structures, particularly through criminal investigations.”
The European Commission stated that such actions could undermine Ukraine’s commitment to the anti-corruption agenda. The report also highlights the risks posed by legislative initiatives that are positioned as aimed at protecting business or national security. According to experts, these initiatives could reduce the transparency of public registers and limit criminal liability for corruption offenses, negatively impacting the effectiveness of the fight against corruption.
Key Recommendations and Challenges for Ukraine
According to the report, the recommendations provided by the European Commission to Ukraine earlier have only been partially implemented and remain relevant. Among the main advice for Ukraine are:
- Ensure the independence of anti-corruption institutions, expand the jurisdiction of the NABU to all high-risk state positions, and provide protection against interference in the work of the NABU and SAP.
- Enhance the autonomy of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office to investigate cases involving members of parliament without the need for approval from the Attorney General.
- Increase the effectiveness of the fight against corruption, particularly in the area of seizing and confiscating illegal assets, focusing on high-ranking officials and cases with significant public resonance.
- Expand the list of individuals required to submit declarations and improve the procedures for their verification.
- Strengthen the capabilities of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) to detect unjustified assets.
- Amend the Criminal Procedure Code to eliminate obstacles and delays in criminal proceedings, especially regarding corruption at the highest levels.
- Increase the number of judges and administrative staff in the High Anti-Corruption Court, develop and approve an Anti-Corruption Strategy and a State Anti-Corruption Program.
The report emphasizes that Ukraine, along with Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro, received a positive assessment regarding progress towards EU membership. Among the 10 candidate countries, which also include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey, these four states were noted for their achievements in the areas of the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
At the same time, Ukraine received warnings about the danger of new interference in the work of the NABU and SAP, which had already been observed in the summer of 2025 before the authorities changed their position under pressure from protests within the country and reactions in Brussels.