Ukraine – positive vibes from the EU
This week the Kyiv Independent reports about a European Commission report which tracks political developments in ten countries aiming to join the bloc, including Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The Kyiv Independent focused on Ukraine, describing the EU reporting and what is important for the EU in the accession process. “But while acknowledging progress on reforms, the European Commission will warn that Ukraine still needs to strengthen judicial independence, curb organized crime, and protect civil society.” The report also noted that there is growing pressure on the specialized anti-corruption agencies and civil society, and the government must decisively reverse their approach. The concerns grew after Ukrainian authorities in July attempted to expand the powers of the country's Prosecutor General — a political appointee — over the independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. At that time there were protests, which forced the government to back down, but the move alarmed Ukraine's international partners, and the anti-corruption agencies expect ongoing pressure.
Why should we care? This report was both reassuring as well as being a reminder that there are specific issues which are worrisome. This should help keep the government focused on the very important issues for their citizens and provides the EU with the opportunity to detail their support and concerns. The report was positive and will help civil society and the anti-corruption authorities continue to emphasize the very significant importance of the anti-corruption agenda for EU accession. Finally, this is one more element for citizens and others to keep an eye on the prize, EU accession and keep the government moving in the correct direction. It’s good to see accountability and transparency in reporting.
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