EU Commission President
Von der Leyen: Kyiv should step up the fight against corruption
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP/dpa
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Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes that Ukraine has already made progress on its way towards the EU – but there are still problems in some areas when it comes to fighting corruption.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Ukraine to make further efforts on its way to the European Union, for example in the fight against corruption and the influence of oligarchs. The country has already made great progress, said the German politician in a video speech in front of the parliament in Kyiv on Friday. Many of the necessary laws and institutions already exist. Now it is time to translate this into “a positive, lasting change”.
Ukraine has created an impressive “anti-corruption machine”. Now, however, the institutions need teeth and the right people in leading positions. There is a law against the influence of oligarchs on the economy and politics. However, this must now be implemented with legal certainty.
Last week the EU officially admitted Ukraine to the list of candidate countries, but made this conditional on further reforms. Von der Leyen believes that long-term support for reconstruction after the Russian war against Ukraine should also be tied to reforms. “There is a long way to go, but Europe will be by your side,” she said. “They are the ones who can change this country for the better. And this will be your ultimate victory.” After her speech, an EU flag was solemnly raised and applauded in the meeting room.
In his speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that his country and the EU are no longer just close, but together. “Not two neighbors with borders and barriers between them, but a European family that has common values and a common destiny,” said the 44-year-old.