step towards the EU
Ukraine puts its judiciary under supervision
01/12/2023, 7:36 p.m
Widespread corruption poses a problem for Ukraine for two reasons: it not only deters investors, but also the European Union, which has declared the country a candidate country. In order to move closer to the EU, Kyiv is now pushing ahead with its judicial reform.
Ukraine has completed the appointment of a judiciary supervisory body, a key step in the reforms called for by the EU for possible accession. A group of judges appointed the last of eight new members of the High Council of the Judiciary, allowing it to begin its function of appointing and dismissing judges.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Matti Maasikas welcomed the candidate country’s move on Twitter. “Key legal governing bodies can thus resume their work,” he wrote. The Council can now put “the rule of law and integrity” into practice. The government in Kyiv is also pushing ahead with its anti-corruption efforts during the war against Russia. The competent public prosecutor’s office reported at least 109 charges in 42 cases and 25 convictions in December.
A high-ranking member of the responsible committee in the Ukrainian parliament, Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, spoke of two wars that his country is waging simultaneously: one against Russia, the other against corruption, which has its roots in the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Authorities pointed out the urgent need to convince potential Western financiers that billions in investments in reconstruction would not seep down dark channels.
Efforts are also seen as a key condition for the long-term goal of EU membership. Ukraine was granted candidate status in June amid the Russian invasion. According to a poll in early November, at least 88 percent of Ukrainians expect their country to be a prosperous member of the EU in ten years. The country is ranked 122nd out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Index.