Civil Society and Experts React to Crisis in Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions

Civil Society and Experts React to Crisis in Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions

On July 23, the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) and the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) co-hosted an online briefing that brought together over 120 participants. Held under the Chatham House Rule and moderated by DUB CEO Mattia Nelles, the session addressed the escalating crisis surrounding the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.

Speakers included:

Semen Kryvonos, Director, National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)

Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director, Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC)

Martina Bohuslavets, Executive Director, Anti-Corruption Center Mezha

Josh Rudolph, Managing Director, German Marshall Fund

Key Takeaways from the Briefing:

• Anti-corruption institutions under pressure: Over 70 raids were conducted against investigators from NABU, followed by the adoption of Law No. 12414. The law significantly weakens NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) by transferring key powers to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

• Civil society under threat: Activists like Vitaliy Shabunin face political prosecution. NGOs warn of draft legislation reminiscent of Russia’s “foreign agents” law.

• EU membership prospects in jeopardy: The new law contradicts Ukraine’s EU commitments and risks billions in financial support, halts progress on Cluster 1 of accession talks, and may lead to a negative assessment in the next Enlargement Report.

• Nationwide protests: Demonstrations erupted in cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro, led primarily by young people and civil society calling for the protection of democracy and the rule of law.

• Mounting international pressure: Top EU leaders—including Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz—have personally urged President Zelenskyy to safeguard the independence of NABU and SAPO.

Political Context and Urgency

• EU funds temporarily suspended: According to media reports, the European Commission has withheld €1.5 billion from a €5 billion tranche of the Ukraine Facility—officially due to reform delays, but clearly also because of concerns over rule of law.

• Kremlin propaganda exploits the crisis: Russia is using the situation to undermine Ukraine’s international image and reform credibility.

• Civil society and international partners demand accountability: Unified and decisive action is needed to restore trust and defend the integrity of anti-corruption institutions.

A Course Correction: Draft Law No. 13533

• Zelenskyy submits new draft law: In response to public outcry and pressure from international partners, the President’s Office submitted Draft Law No. 13533 on July 24. The bill seeks to reverse the most damaging provisions of Law 12414. It is supported by NABU, SAPO, and Ukrainian civil society. A vote in the Verkhovna Rada is expected on July 31.

• Serious risks remain: Experts warn of last-minute amendments or lack of political support that could weaken or block the reform. Ukraine’s credibility—and its EU trajectory—hangs in the balance.

What Comes Next

Despite the problematic steps taken by the Ukrainian authorities and parliament, the government’s swift response suggests a readiness to correct course and re-engage with reform commitments. This moment should be used to encourage further action—starting with the adoption of Draft Law No. 13533 and followed by meaningful steps in the justice sector.

Key tests include:

Appointment of the new Head of the Economic Security Bureau (ESBU)

Ending political pressure on civil society (e.g. Vitalii Shabunin)

Respect for media freedom (e.g. Ukrainska Pravda and others)

The German-Ukrainian Bureau continues to closely monitor developments in the fields of rule of law, governance, and anti-corruption reform. Further updates will follow after parliamentary consideration of the relevant legislation.

This online event is part of the project “Continuing Successful Anti-Corruption (COSAC) Reform Initiative”, funded by the Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) in cooperation with the Ukrainian NGO Center for Democratic Transformation “Mezha” in the EU and Ukraine.