Ukraine Must Deliver on Reform Pledges
Ukraine must deliver on reform pledges: The Constitutional Court’s scandalous ruling harms the country – Parliament must act.
Following the Constitutional Court’s scandalous decision to annul key provisions of the anti-corruption reform in the public service, the Ukrainian government must now take action.
The asset declaration requirement for politicians and public officials was one of the most crucial steps in the fight against corruption. “Furthermore, it is a central component of visa liberalisation for Ukrainians by the EU,” reminds Stefan Haböck, International Officer for Paneuropa Austria, warning: “This liberalisation is now hanging in the balance!”
The government, President Zelensky, and the Verkhovna Rada must finally crack down hard on the corrupt networks within the country. The EU and Ukraine’s partners must, for their part, increase pressure.
“However, a general punishment of Ukrainian citizens, such as the withdrawal of visa-free travel, harms innocent citizens and would only increase frustration,” warns Rainhard Kloucek, Secretary General of the Paneuropa Movement Austria. Moreover, it has no impact whatsoever on those who can travel freely via their corporate networks in EU tax havens.
Kosovo, whose citizens are the only ones in all of Europe subject to visa requirements, while various groups with honorary Albanian passports can travel freely, serves as a cautionary tale of frustration.
