Germany says Ukraine’s anti-graft limits are hurting its EU membership bid

Germany has voiced concern over Ukraine’s approach to tackling corruption, suggesting that recent limitations placed on anti-graft measures are impeding Kyiv’s path to European Union membership.

Speaking during a briefing on EU enlargement, German officials noted that while Ukraine has made notable progress in fighting corruption amid its ongoing war with Russia, certain rollback measures and limitations on anti-corruption agencies are raising red flags in Brussels.

Berlin emphasized that maintaining judicial independence and ensuring transparency are critical prerequisites for Ukraine’s accession talks to progress. In particular, the German government pointed to a lack of enforcement power in Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and delays in prosecuting high-level corruption cases.

"Ukraine’s reforms must be credible and irreversible. Weakening the tools meant to ensure accountability will only stall their EU integration process," said a German diplomat.

The European Commission is expected to review Ukraine’s reform progress ahead of key discussions later this year. Despite the challenges, EU leaders have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine, but warn that membership can only be granted once strict democratic and governance standards are fully met.