While Ukrainians continue to gather for actions and rallies against Law No. 12414, which limits the independence of NABU and SAPO, international organizations have expressed concern and reported possible severe consequences for Ukraine.
Yesterday, the Verkhovna Rada voted for the controversial law No. 12414, submitted by MP Maksym Buzhansky, on restricting the work of NABU and SAPO. For a long time, the public could not understand whether the law was signed by the president, the status of which was constantly changing on the Verkhovna Rada website. However, no miracle happened and Volodymyr Zelenskyy still signed it despite public disappointment . In a night speech, which came out much later than usual, the president emphasized that in this way Ukraine is fighting Russian influence in NABU and SAPO.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned that the attack on anti-corruption agencies will negatively affect defense investments in Ukraine and reconstruction financing, and also explained what the authorities should do to avoid the consequences.
This is stated in a letter addressed to the Deputy Head of the President's Office, Iryna Mudra, which was published by "European Truth".
Julia Fromholtz, Head of the OECD Anti-Corruption Division, said that this law significantly undermines the independence of Ukraine's specialized anti-corruption bodies. The representative of the organization also predicted that these legislative changes could be viewed by the OECD working group as a weakening of Ukraine's compliance with its obligations.
Fromholz called on the president to veto the bill and warned of possible consequences. In particular, it concerns the prospects of Ukraine's accession to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery, as well as undermines Ukraine's authority among international partners, including those considering investing in Ukraine's defense sector and its long-term reconstruction.
European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said that the EU is concerned about the parliament's actions regarding NABU and SAPO and noted that the European Union provides Ukraine with a lot of funds, including due to progress in overcoming corruption.
"A strong capacity to fight corruption and ensure institutional stability is necessary for Ukraine's accession to the EU. The EU will continue to monitor the situation and support Ukraine in upholding the rule of law," a European Commission spokesperson said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, which yesterday financed the production of interceptor drones for Ukraine for 200 million euros, Kaspar Veldkamp, stated that pressure on anti-corruption authorities poses a threat to Ukraine's progress on the path to the EU.
Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions are vital to its reform path. Restricting them would be a significant setback.
— Caspar Veldkamp (@ministerBZ) July 23, 2025
Safeguarding the independence of these institutions and continued progress on the rule of law remain key for Ukraine's EU accession process. https://t.co/rgvwXxETfM
A similar view was expressed by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, who stated that with its vote, the Verkhovna Rada dismantled key guarantees of NABU's independence and is a serious step backwards. Marta Kos has already held a conversation with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svydorenko, in which she expressed her concerns.
Seriously concerned about today's vote in the Rada. The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU's independence is a serious step back.
— Marta Kos (@MartaKosEU) July 22, 2025
Independent bodies like NABU & SAPO are essential for 🇺🇦's EU path. Rule of Law remains in the very center of EU accession negotiations.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens continue to try to reach out to the authorities and plan to continue rallies in various cities of Ukraine today.
