Estonia has expressed its concern over the adoption of law No. 12414 in Ukraine, which, according to Tallinn, threatens the independence of anti-corruption bodies, particularly the NABU and SAP. This was reported by Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna.

“The fight against corruption and adherence to the rule of law are the foundation of a democratic and functional state, and are also central to the EU accession process. Therefore, the law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on July 22, which limits the independence of anti-corruption institutions (NABU and SAP), is cause for concern.”

– Margus Tsahkna

Tsahkna emphasized that such legislative changes could weaken trust in reforms in Ukraine and generally affect the development of the rule of law.

“I have also expressed this to my Ukrainian counterpart. I will continue active communication with my Ukrainian colleague, especially in light of the negotiations taking place today in Istanbul.”

– Margus Tsahkna

The minister noted that Estonia will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and share experience in reforms and European integration.

“We hope that taking this experience into account will allow Ukraine to reform in a way that enables it to join the EU quickly.”

– Margus Tsahkna

Bill No. 12414, adopted on July 22, significantly restricts the independence of NABU and SAP. In particular, the Prosecutor General gains the right to issue mandatory written instructions to NABU detectives, has access to all NABU cases, and can close investigations at the request of the defense side.

Additionally, the ban on transferring NABU cases to other law enforcement agencies has been lifted. The vote on this law took place the day after large-scale searches by the SBU of NABU detectives, and in the evening of July 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed it.

In response to the adoption of the law, protests took place in Ukraine. About two thousand people gathered near the Franko Theater in Kyiv, and protest actions were also held in Lviv, Dnipro, Rivne, Ternopil, and Odesa.