Ruslan Stefanchuk told about the achievements and next steps in the implementation of anti-corruption and judicial reforms

Information Department of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Secretariat
08 July 2021, 16:09


First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk told about the achievements and next steps in the implementation of anti-corruption and judicial reforms during the International Conference on Reforms in Ukraine, held in Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania.
According to him, Ukraine's priority should be to achieve the Copenhagen criteria. Ruslan Stefanchuk has repeatedly offered and continues to offer support for Ukraine's European integration steps in the Verkhovna Rada. He reminded of his initiative to form a weekly plan for consideration of European integration bills by the Parliament of Ukraine.
The First Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine noted that the foundation of judicial and anti-corruption reforms has already been laid.
"On June 11, 2021, the President of Ukraine approved the Strategy for the Development of the Justice System and Constitutional Judiciary for 2021-2023. Also on June 29, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine 'On the Judiciary and the Status of Judges' and Certain Laws of Ukraine on resuming the work of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine". In addition, next week the agenda will be included the draft law on unblock the High Council of Justice, because this important body gains the trust of society, honest and predictable activities to control the judiciary," said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He noted that these bills are aimed at "ultimately making the judiciary feel like a government body that can provide uniform, clear rules of the game that will promote fair consideration of certain issues."
Regarding anti-corruption reform, Ruslan Stefanchuk reminded that on June 29, 2021, at the initiative of the President of Ukraine, the Parliament renewed the penalty of imprisonment for declaring unreliable information, and halved the threshold value of undeclared assets as a qualifying feature of this crime.
The politician also drew attention to the fact that on May 21, 2021 was adopted as a basis the draft Law "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning Bringing the Status of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine into Compliance with the Requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine".
According to him, many legislative initiatives were also related to the launch of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court, which is an example of successful judicial reform.
"I would like to draw attention to the fact that the fundamental draft law on the principles of state anti-corruption policy for 2021-2025 is ready for the second reading. Given the number of amendments submitted to this bill, I predict that Ukraine will receive its anti-corruption strategy in the fall. Because there is political will, understanding and general support in society for this," the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament said.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also mentioned the presidential draft law on de-oligarchization (No. 5599), which was adopted in the first reading. The next steps are antitrust and lobbying legislation.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that "the Parliament of Ukraine has been and remains to be the supporter of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The direction of movement is constant. This is a strong Ukraine in a strong European and Euro-Atlantic family."