Ukraine’s Accession to EU in Jeopardy Due to Delay in Corruption Reforms
Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis recently issued a warning that the European Union may delay the next tranche of 4 billion euros to Ukraine unless corruption reforms are completed by the end of the month. The EU has set a deadline for Ukraine to approve and adopt necessary regulations by the end of October 2024 to receive the financing in the following year.
The delay stems from stalled progress in improving regulations for plea agreements in corruption cases, with changes to Ukraine’s Criminal Code only approved in the first reading. Failure to fully adopt the reforms could further postpone the payment.
Amid Russia’s invasion, the EU outlined reforms Ukraine must undertake for accession. Recent efforts include President Zelensky’s bill reforming the State Customs Service to combat corruption. The EU’s Ukraine Facility, with 33 billion euros in loans and 17 billion euros in grants, aims at Ukraine’s recovery and modernization.
However, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko noted the need for additional financial support. It is crucial for Ukraine to accelerate reforms to secure timely financing and move closer to EU integration.
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