EU is not yet considering suspending funding for Ukraine over actions against anti-corruption agencies

European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier has said that as yet, the European Union does not intend to raise the issue of suspending financial assistance to Ukraine over action taken against the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

Source: Mercier in response to a query from European Pravda

Details: Mercier responded that "it’s not a discussion at this stage".

He explained that with regard to the financial support provided by the EU to Ukraine, there are a number of decision systems and control mechanisms that could theoretically be applied.

"I mean, they are safeguards that we have. Once we get there, I mean, we'll see if we ever get there," the European Commission spokesman said.

Mercier noted, however, that the EU is concerned about the situation around NABU and SAPO.

On 21 July, the G7 ambassadors expressed concern over the investigative actions the Security Service of Ukraine has taken against NABU.

Background: The Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) voted for draft law No. 12414 at second reading, according to which NABU and SAPO – which are currently independent – will become dependent on decisions made by the prosecutor general.

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