EU demands results from Ukraine in the fight against corruption: what awaits on the path to accession.

According to ТСН: The European Union calls on Ukraine to actively combat high-level corruption. It warns that without a proper system for prosecuting high-ranking officials involved in corrupt activities, the country cannot expect support from member states for accession to the bloc.

This information was announced by European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath in his interview with Politico.

Requirements for candidates

McGrath emphasized that the governments of Europe will not support any candidate country, including Ukraine, until it demonstrates effective mechanisms for combating corruption among the political and business elite.

“Every candidate country must have a reliable system for investigating potential cases of high-level corruption. A robust investigative system is needed, along with eventual judicial prosecution and convictions, and the demonstration of successful experience in this area,” the Commissioner stated.

He noted that although Ukraine is making “maximum efforts” to combat corruption, “the same standards apply to all candidate countries.”

“The rule of law and judicial reforms are the foundation of the accession process,” McGrath stressed.

He also reported that the EU has “very open and honest relations with the Ukrainian authorities regarding these requirements.” The official emphasized that if standards are not met, the country “will not receive support from the member states of the European Union for advancing towards accession.”

Searches in Ukraine

Recall that detectives from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine conducted searches at businessman Timur Mindich’s place, then-Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko, his former advisor Igor Mironyuk, and at the company Energoatom.

Today, searches also took place at the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak. This was first reported by MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, noting that investigative actions are being taken by NABU and SAP in the governmental quarter. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau confirmed information about the searches, emphasizing that they are sanctioned and carried out as part of the investigation. Details will be released later.

Thus, the position of the European Union regarding Ukraine is clear: without proper measures to counteract corruption, the country cannot expect support from European partners in its aspirations for European integration. Currently, the situation with searches among Ukrainian high-ranking officials indicates an intensification of anti-corruption actions in the country, which may positively impact the fulfillment of European requirements.