The West continues to criticize Ukraine over actions against NABU and SAPO, warning of reduced investment

Ukraine continues to face criticism from international organizations and Western countries for its recent actions to limit the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). These restrictions could lead to reduced investment in Ukraine.

This warning comes from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“If the issue arising from the adoption of the law remains unresolved, it will not only jeopardize Ukraine’s prospects for joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and its efforts to become an OECD member, but also undermine its credibility with international partners — particularly those considering investments in Ukraine’s defense sector and its long-term recovery,” wrote Julia Fromholz, head of the OECD’s Anti-Corruption Division, in a letter sent yesterday to Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp stated that such actions also jeopardize Ukraine’s prospects for joining the European Union.

According to him, ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions and further progress on the rule of law remain key conditions for Ukraine’s EU integration process.

France has also called for the repeal of the law limiting NABU’s powers.

“It’s not too late to reverse this. We will be watching this matter very closely,” said Benjamin Haddad, French Minister for European Affairs.

Earlier, the law had already drawn criticism from other European countries and the European Union itself.