Ukraine to approve anti-corruption court by June, vice speaker says

Legislation creating an anti-corruption court will be
approved by June at the latest, Parliamentary Vice Speaker Iryna Heraschenko
told a press conference on April 6. The court’s creation “has large support,”
she said, adding that she expects about 250 votes in its favor (out of a
226-vote minimum majority). “The court should, above all, comply with
Ukrainian legislation, as well as the recommendations of the Venice
Commission” of the Council of Europe, she said.

Recall, the adoption of legislation creating a High
Anti-Corruption Court is the key requirement of the IMF and EU to continue
their financial support for Ukraine. The draft law adopted in the first reading
in March does not comply with Western requirements, but top officials promised
to amend it for approval in the second reading. Another core IMF requirement is
adjusting natural gas prices for households in line with import prices.

Alexander Paraschiy: It is critical for Ukraine to adopt the legislation by the end of June
to be able to receive an IMF loan tranche in June-July, which is the last
window for a long time. Missing that deadline will make the IMF tranche
impossible this year as well as next year, also making impossible loans from
the EU and otherIFIs. We still expect the
Ukrainian government will get its act together and receive the IMF tranche by
1H18. We expect total Western official crediting will reach at least USD 2.5
bln this year.