The Verkhovna Rada passed a law threatening the independence of NABU and SAP: how the parliament’s decision could undermine international partners’ trust in Ukraine

The international community has reacted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s decision to pass draft law No. 12414, which, according to critics, effectively eliminates the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).

This initiative has already raised a wave of concern among Ukraine’s Western partners, for whom the fight against corruption remains a key criterion for continued support and the country’s European integration.

The European Union expressed its alarm over the adopted changes. Guillaume Mercier, a spokesperson for the European Commission on foreign policy, stressed that the independence of anti-corruption bodies is a cornerstone of the reforms necessary for Ukraine’s further alignment with the EU. Brussels reiterated that meeting anti-corruption commitments is directly tied to continued financial and political support for Kyiv. They added that the EU is closely monitoring developments and expects Ukrainian authorities to take actions that reaffirm their commitment to the European path.

Ambassadors from G7 countries also issued sharp criticism, calling the law a troubling signal that could undermine Ukraine’s progress in fighting corruption. The diplomats demanded open dialogue with Ukrainian authorities, emphasizing that the independence of NABU and SAP is a crucial indicator of Kyiv’s seriousness in upholding the rule of law.

International anti-corruption organizations did not stay silent either. Transparency International Ukraine expressed concern that the adopted amendments could devalue years of reform efforts initiated after the Revolution of Dignity. Human rights advocates see this as a direct rollback and a threat to Ukraine’s standing as a reliable Western partner.

Ukrainian civil rights organizations joined the criticism, pointing out that the law was passed in violation of parliamentary procedures. The Anti-Corruption Action Center accused the government of attempting to bring anti-corruption institutions back under political control, reminiscent of practices under Viktor Yanukovych.

Against this backdrop, experts warn that the fate of the bill and the reaction of the international community could directly impact Ukraine’s EU accession talks and continued Western financial support. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to either sign or veto the bill will be a crucial test of his commitment to reforms and democratic standards.