Stefanishyna: Ukraine outpaces ‘anti-corruption’ recommendations of EU auditors

Ukraine has slightly outpaced the conclusions of the European Court of Auditors, which criticized in its special report the effectiveness of the EU's efforts to support Ukraine in the fight against corruption, and began to follow the recommendations of European auditors before the document was published.

"It seems to me that the events related to judicial reform in Ukraine outpace all the conclusions of the Court of Auditors. Indeed, it is said that the European Union has invested heavily in technical assistance projects, in expertise, but above all in the reform of the judiciary and the rule of law – these are political processes… I think this report is realistic, it has a right to exist. But today we are already moving in the direction reflected in the recommendations of this report," Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna said at a press conference following her two-day visit to Brussels, answering questions from Ukrinform.

As noted, the European Union, the United States, and the G7 countries provide political context to support Ukraine on this path. This topic was discussed with Vice-President of the European Commission Vera Jourová during the visit of the Ukrainian government delegation to Brussels.

"The conclusions [of report] only confirm that we are on the right track now. For us, first and foremost, it is important to have political support for the efforts of the President, who is committed to reforms in the justice system and who has strongly supported amendments to the legislation concerning the predominant role of international experts. Now these experts, with the political support of international partners, should help us move forward on this path," Stefanishyna added.

On September 23, the European Court of Auditors released a report on the ineffectiveness of the use of EU funds to support Ukraine's rule of law and anti-corruption programs, and provided recommendations for adjustments to EU policies.

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