EU says Ukraine must to more to fight corruption

KYIV -Reuters

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on March 12 that Ukraine must do more to fight corruption and establish an anti-corruption court in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, a rights watchdog.

During a visit to Kiev, Mogherini also said there was no “fatigue” on the part of the EU toward Ukraine, as was demonstrated by the EU’s decision to extend sanctions on Russia and to give financial assistance to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, meanwhile, expressed confidence that a pending law to set up a new anti-corruption court would be in line both with Ukrainian law and recommendations made by the Commission.
Setting up an anti-corruption court is a key reform that Kyiv must pass to qualify for aid from the International Monetary Fund. But it is unclear whether the final version of the bill, which could be passed in the coming months, will satisfy the Venice Commission’s recommendations.

“I am sure that the parliament will not delay in considering the amendments in preparation for the second reading, compromises will be found in the parliament ... that the text of the bill will comply with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, Ukrainian legislation and the Constitution,” Poroshenko said while addressing a business forum.