EU's decision to pay for alleged 'anti-reform' draws criticism from Ukrainian experts
The Ukrainian judicial watchdog Dejure argued in June that "rather than improving the integrity declaration system, (the integrity declarations law) effectively dismantles integrity declarations as a meaningful tool for holding judges accountable."
The European Union decided last week to provide Ukraine with 3 billion euros, with 386.3 million euros contingent upon passage of a controversial law regarding integrity declarations for judges. This decision has drawn criticism from Ukrainian experts, who argue that the law effectively dismantles the judicial integrity system rather than improving it.
The Ukrainian judicial watchdog Dejure contends that the new law eliminates many of the concrete questions that previously held judges accountable, making it easier for them to evade responsibility for false statements. Mykhailo Zhernakov, head of Dejure, expressed concern that the EU's funding in exchange for the questionable law would only encourage further anti-reforms.
Kateryna Butko, head of anti-corruption watchdog AutoMaidan, also criticized the EU's approach, stating that more stringent action is needed to address judicial reforms. The EU defended its decision, stating that the law enhances accountability and professionalism within the judiciary, but Ukrainian experts remain unconvinced.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
