Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently signed a controversial law that many fear could seriously harm Ukraine’s chances of joining the European Union. The new law, which critics say weakens the independence of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption agencies, has sparked protests across the country. These are the first major demonstrations since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
According to Politico, top European Union officials have quickly expressed their concerns, calling on Zelenskyy to show a strong commitment to the democratic values Europe stands for. The head of the European Commission, for example, raised serious questions about the impact of these legal changes and asked the Ukrainian government for a full explanation.
A European Commission spokesperson stressed that the EU is built on strict respect for the rule of law and a firm fight against corruption. The spokesperson made it clear that Ukraine, as a candidate for membership, must meet these high standards without exception. Similarly, the president of the European Council shared his worries directly with Zelenskyy, asking for more details about the new law.
The EU does not like the laws that Ukraine is signing
According to the statement given to Politico, “The president of the European Commission was in contact with President Zelenskyy about these latest developments. President von der Leyen conveyed her strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments, and she requested the Ukrainian government for explanations. The respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are core elements of the European Union. As a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to uphold these standards fully. There cannot be a compromise,”
The main issue with the law is that it puts Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) under the direct control of the prosecutor general. Both agencies have stated that this change destroys their ability to work independently.
R.I.P. Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Independence?
— Geo View (@theGeoView) July 22, 2025
Zelensky Just Signed a Bombshell Law That Could Change Everything.
Power grab or wartime necessity?
Here’s the full breakdown in 8 explosive points – thread#Ukraine #ukraineprotests pic.twitter.com/J1hJ4ywBwA
This has caused major concern in Brussels, where EU officials have been pushing for Ukraine’s membership despite strong opposition, especially from Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Now, Ukraine’s progress toward joining the EU could slow even more, as its closest allies are reminding the country that following the rule of law and making real anti-corruption reforms are absolute requirements for membership, with no exceptions.
While Ukraine may be working well with the US, several EU countries have issued strong warnings. Germany’s Foreign Minister publicly stated that any move reducing the independence of anti-corruption bodies would hurt Ukraine’s path to EU integration. At first, a European Commission representative said cutting financial aid to Ukraine was not being considered.
Still, officials in Brussels and other European capitals have since reminded Kyiv that such support depends on Ukraine continuing to make progress in rule-of-law reforms. The EU’s Economy Commissioner reinforced this, saying financial help is tied to transparency, full judicial reforms, and building democratic government systems.
Even Sweden, which has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in its bid to join the EU, has expressed deep concern over the new law. Sweden’s Foreign Minister said the decision to place NABU and SAP under the prosecutor general’s control raises serious doubts about whether Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies can truly remain independent.
