Ukraine should open forensic examinations for NABU The European Commission emphasized that Ukraine needs to finally cancel the “Lozovoy amendments” and ensure an independent criminal examination for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). According to the analysis of the Anti-Corruption Center (ACC), this is stated in the report of the European Commission on the progress of candidate states, including Ukraine, published on October 30.
“Mandatory closing of criminal cases in connection with the expiration of the time limits after the notification of suspicion and the duration of the time limits should be reviewed to ensure an effective investigation,” the European Commission directly noted in the report (page 33).
Ukraine should open forensic examinations for NABU
Ukraine must adopt the law on the cancellation of the “Lozovoy amendments” by the end of December 2024 at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government should take into account the comments of the European Commission and submit the draft law for consideration in the near future. This will help to avoid a shameful situation, similar to the one that occurred during the adoption of the draft law on agreements with the investigation, when the Verkhovna Rada(parlament) violated the EU deadline for more than a month. The reason for this was, in particular, the efforts of deputies to advance the norm on the redemption of corrupt officials from punishment.
New methods of fighting corruption in Ukraine
The European Commission also emphasizes that, in order to strengthen its capabilities, NABU should get access to independent forensic examinations and the ability to autonomously listen to telephone conversations.
It is also necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of other anti-corruption bodies. In particular, allow the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) to open proceedings against people’s deputies. And also carry out the reform of the Bureau of Economic Security (ESBU), in particular, launch a transparent competition for the head of the BEB and carry out re-certification of the entire staff.
The European Commission also points out that Ukraine should rid the Supreme Court of corrupt judges.
Positive developments in the fight against corruption
In general, the European Commission noted positive developments in anti-corruption and judicial reforms. These two directions will be key throughout the entire process of Ukraine’s European integration and will determine how quickly Ukraine will be able to move forward in the negotiations on joining the EU.
SOURCES:
- https://antac.org.ua/news/zvit-yevrokomisii-ukraina-maie-skasuvaty-pravky-lozovoho-ta-vidkryty-sudovi-ekspertyzy-dlia-nabu/