Ukraine’s European path and the reconstruction of the country will go hand in hand, and Ukraine will be in the lead. To maximise the impact of investments and to foster business confidence, investments will have to be coupled with a new wave of reforms.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a corresponding statement, addressing the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine via video link.

As noted, Ukraine has already made important progress.

“Take the fight against corruption. You have created an impressive anti-corruption machine. But now these institutions need teeth and the right people in senior posts. The new head of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor´s Office and the new director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine should be appointed as soon as possible,” von der Leyen said, pointing out the reform of the Constitutional Court, the need to pass legislation on the procedures for selecting judges, the need to reduce the excessive influence of oligarchs on the economy, as well as to pass a media law to align Ukraine‘s legislation with current EU standards.

“Of course, reforms always take time. That is how all our democracies work. They need constant commitment and dedication. And, for instance, no one expects Ukraine to fill in all posts in your new institutions while so many of your best and brightest are fighting on the front. But Ukraine’s democracy must be kept on the right track. You have already shown that you can pass important laws even as the war still rages on and make every day count,” the European Commission President said.

As noted, next Monday, von der Leyen, President Zelensky, and Prime Minister Shmyhal will participate in the Lugano conference in Switzerland for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

“There is a long road ahead but Europe will be at your side every step of the way, for as long as it takes, from these dark days of war until the moment you cross the door that leads into our European Union,” von der Leyen assured.

It is reported that today, 1 July, the Parliament of Ukraine adopted a number of European integration documents. In particular, the amendments in the area of protection of intellectual property rights, copyright, and related rights, rights under geographical indications protection, etc, were passed.

Bohdan Marusyak

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