G7, EU diplomats warn Ukraine president about threats to anti-corruption

The ambassadors of G7 nations to Ukraine signed a letter addressed to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warning him about dangerous legislative initiatives that can undermine anti-corruption efforts. The letter, dated Oct. 25 and signed by the head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugh Mingarelli, was obtained by the eurointegration.com.ua news site and published on Oct. 27.

In particular, the letter warned of a bill that could weaken requirements for state officials and employees to electronically declare their assets and income. They expressed concern about technical glitches in the launch of the electronic system and called for all necessary measures to correct them. Another bill could reduce the legal authority of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor. 

Natalia Korchak, the head of the National Corruption Prevention Agency, made an Oct. 27 statement blaming technical delays of the electronic declaration system on its administrator, a Ukrainian IT company that is a subsidiary of the State Information Security Service. She called on the company to remove all obstacles or face possible criminal charges.

Zenon Zawada: Up until now, Poroshenko had a relatively tight grip on the activity of his parliamentary faction. So such legislative efforts must have had his knowledge, at minimum. In which case, this is merely the latest chapter of EU officials scolding the president for failing to provide leadership on anti-corruption efforts and reform.

Not only did EU diplomats previously raise their concern about the declaration system’s launch being undermined, but so has the corruption prevention agency criticized the state service and its affiliates in internationally undermining it. All this doesn’t help convince average citizens in Europe and America that Ukraine is worth the present conflict with Russian President Putin.