Ahead of the EU-Ukraine Association Council planned to take place on 5 September, the European Union today published its annual Association Implementation Report on Ukraine. The report outlines Ukraine’s implementation of reforms under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement covering the period since the latest report published on 1 December 2020 and until the beginning of Russia’s military aggression on 24 February 2022.

The report finds that in the period covered by the report, Ukraine was challenged by Russia’s destabilising actions, the conflict in the east and the coronavirus pandemic. The report highlights that Ukraine nevertheless has continued to prioritise association and further integration with the EU, and that despite these challenges, key reforms have gained new momentum.

In the area of justice, rule of law and the fight against corruption, several positive developments took place, notably the adoption of key laws aiming at reforming the High Council of Justice (HCJ) and re-launching of the High Qualifications Commission of Judges (HQCJ) were adopted. Significant outstanding challenges include urgent reform of the Constitutional Court (CCU). A new law on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) was adopted establishing a much needed clear legal framework for the office.

The selection process for a new head of the Specialised Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) was not concluded. The High Anti-corruption Court (HACC) continued building a solid track record, and a law on whistle-blowers protection was adopted. Another significant step was taken in the reform of Ukraine’s system for combating serious economic and financial crimes with the creation of the Bureau for Economic Security (BES).

A new public administration reform strategy was adopted by the Government in line with OECD and European public administration principles, and merit-based recruitment to the civil-service was restored. The European Union will continue to support Ukraine in its comprehensive reform agenda.

Source: European Commission

 

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