European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday urged Ukraine to step up anti-corruption reforms and backed the European Union (EU) country “on the long way” to join the bloc.
In a video conference speech to Ukrainian lawmakers, von der Leyen praised the reforms already being made and the existing institutions for creating an “impressive anti-corruption machine”.
But now it is necessary to strengthen these institutions and put the right people in responsible positions.”
The German stressed that “the new head of the Specialist Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the new director of the National Anti-Corruption Office of Ukraine should be appointed as soon as possible.”
Likewise, it is necessary to move forward with legislation on the election procedures of judges as part of the Constitutional Court reform.
Von der Leyen reminded Ukrainian lawmakers that rebuilding Ukraine will require huge investments and it will certainly happen, but he added that this requires domestic progress.
Investments will “have to be accompanied by a new wave of reforms,” he said.
According to von der Leyen, “institutions must be revived to respond to the wishes of their people.” He cited an example of this as an attempt to limit the oligarchs’ “excessive influence” in the Ukrainian economy.
Von der Leyen reminded that the country had passed a law to counter this influence and now “must focus on the implementation of this law”.
He also stated that “a media law should be adopted that helps Ukraine adapt its rules to EU standards and empowers an independent regulator”.
There are already many laws and institutions that the country needs. Now is the time to transform rules and institutions into positive and lasting change.”
“The next steps are at hand, but they require hard work, determination and unity,” said von der Leyen.
“The road will be long, but Europe will be with you every step of the way, as long as necessary, from the dark days of war to the moment you cross the threshold of our European Union,” he promised.
Last week, EU leaders formally granted Ukraine candidate status for membership in the bloc, although the process may take several years to complete.
source: Noticias
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