European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has expressed serious concerns about Ukraine's commitment to restoring trust with the European Union (EU) after the repeal of controversial laws that undermined the independence of its anti-corruption bodies. In her interview, Kos reflected on the significant steps Ukraine has taken and the actions that have raised alarm, particularly the stipulations affecting the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). She indicated that these actions threaten Ukraine's EU membership aspirations.

Kos was unequivocal in her belief that trust cannot be easily restored, asserting that changing laws does not automatically equate to rebuilding confidence. She emphasized the longstanding perception that the rollback of autonomy for key anti-corruption institutions is detrimental to Ukraine's integrity and democratic processes. Kos's comments serve as a stark reminder that the path towards EU membership is not solely about aligning with legal frameworks but also maintaining robust institutions that uphold the rule of law and transparency.

This warning from a senior EU official signals that Ukraine's governance and commitment to fight corruption are under scrutiny, which exacerbates the risk of detrimental relations between Kiev and Brussels. With EU membership aspirations complicated by ongoing challenges, Ukraine must navigate these internal issues carefully to reassure partners that it is serious about reform and compliance with EU standards.