EU chief urges Zelensky to explain anti-corruption law shift

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has demanded an explanation from Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Ukraine passed a law that weakens the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies.

Ukrainians demand Zelensky revoke law on anti-corruption in Kiev. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked Ukrainian authorities for clarification on the president’s decision.

Photo: Rostyslav Averchuk/PAP/EPA, MAHESH KUMAR A. POOL/PAP/EPA

The legislation, signed by Zelenskyy on Tuesday, places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the oversight of the prosecutor general - a political appointee - who can now reassign their cases.

Zelensky under pressure over anti-corruption law

Protesters hold signs during a demonstration in Kiev, Ukraine, 23 July 2025. Thousands of Ukrainians gathered on the second day of protests against the passage of a law that critics believe strips two key anti-corruption agencies of their independence by placing them under state control. Photo: Rostyslav Averchuk/ PAP/EPA.

Von der Leyen called the Ukrainian president to express “strong concerns”, warning the move could undermine the rule of law and Ukraine’s EU accession efforts.

In a sign of growing unease in Brussels, this marks one of the EU’s strongest public rebukes of Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Hours later, Zelenskyy promised to submit a new bill to protect the independence of anti-corruption bodies, but details remain unclear.

Ukraine : Ursula von der Leyen demande des explications à Zelensky sur la loi restreignant les agences anticorruption https://t.co/xXETTH8XnB

— Le Soir (@lesoir) July 23, 2025

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Source: IAR/Reuters/X/@lesoir