IMF: Independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies remains central concern

Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF's Communications Department, stated this at a press briefing in Washington on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.

"The adopted law, as we see it, neutralizes the effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions. From our perspective, that would be very problematic for macroeconomic stability and growth in Ukraine," Kozack said in response to Ukrinform's question.

She emphasized that the establishment and development of independent bodies to detect and prosecute corruption cases has been central to the IMF's engagement with Ukraine over the past decade. Institutions like NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office), she said, have contributed significantly to improving governance in Ukraine over that period.

"From our perspective, Ukraine needs a robust anti-corruption architecture, and that will help level the playing field, improve the business climate, and attract private investment into Ukraine," she said.

Kozack stressed that fighting corruption is a cornerstone of Ukraine's reform agenda, and the independence of anti-corruption institutions must remain a top priority.

"We do take note of the government's intention to introduce a new bill to restore the independence of the anti-corruption institutions," the IMF representative added.

On July 22, Ukraine's parliament adopted Law No. 12414, which reduces the powers of NABU and SAPO. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law the same day. In response, some MPs began collecting signatures to submit the law for Constitutional Court review.

On July 23, Zelensky stated he would table a new bill in parliament that includes guarantees of independence for Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions. Meanwhile, protests against the law have taken place in Kyiv and other cities.

In this context, MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn from the Holos (Voice) party announced that a new bill to restore the independence of NABU and SAPO would soon be registered in parliament. Zelensky also confirmed that the text of the revised bill had been approved and would be submitted to parliament on Thursday, July 23.