Zelensky discusses draft law on NABU and SAPO with President of European Commission

The President announced this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. 

“I spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. We discussed many issues: Ukraine's European integration, further strengthening of sanctions against Russia, and the work of our anti-corruption infrastructure,” Zelensky said.

He stressed that the conversation also touched on a draft law that guarantees the independence and effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies. 

"I thanked the European Commission for its expertise. We share the same vision: the bill must be adopted without delay, as early as next week. I informed her that Ukraine continues to implement the necessary reforms to receive financial assistance under the Ukraine Facility mechanism. Today, I signed laws on ARMA reform and factoring. Ursula noted the progress in implementing the relevant indicators," Zelensky added. 

The President also thanked the President of the European Commission for adopting the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, primarily for lowering the price cap on Russian oil.

“Ukraine continues to synchronize European sanctions. All 18 packages are in force in Ukraine. We discussed what efforts need to be made to open the first negotiating cluster on our EU membership. We will work on this as quickly as possible,” Zelensky mentioned.

As reported, on July 22, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law reducing the powers of the NABU and SAPO. On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed it.

Protests against the new law began in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine.

On July 24, Zelensky approved the text of a bill on the independence of the anti-corruption infrastructure.

On July 25, activists in Kyiv called on Ukrainians to gather on Wednesday, July 30, as well as on the day of the vote, July 31, “to show the MPs that we expect a fair decision from them.”

Photo: Office of the President