Ukraine Must Demonstrate Its Commitment to the EU Through Concrete Actions and Address Corruption, Says Koretsky
Corruption scandals in Ukraine do not alter the government’s commitment to continuing on the path of European integration. At the same time, law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies must respond appropriately to the violations that have been uncovered.
During the event, the prime minister was asked about the prospects for continued financial support for Ukraine from the European Union amid the corruption scandals. Specifically, the discussion focused on the Ukraine Support Loan program and the country’s future financing needs.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that corruption scandals are a problem but emphasized the need for an appropriate response from state institutions.
“The corruption scandals that have occurred are a fact. We have seen them. The latest incident involving certain employees of the Prosecutor General’s Office is, without a doubt, unacceptable,” Koretsky noted.
According to him, accountability in such cases should be not only criminal but also institutional.
“There is institutional accountability, in addition to criminal accountability. The Prosecutor General has submitted his resignation, and law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies will now carry out their work,” said the head of government.
At the same time, Koretsky emphasized that the government remains committed to Ukraine’s path toward European integration.
“I can say this personally: I am fully in favor of our path toward European integration. The government shares this stance,” the prime minister emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine must demonstrate to its partners its commitment to European integration not only through statements but also through concrete actions.
“We have clearly demonstrated—and I have demonstrated in my two previous positions—through practical actions, not just words. Accordingly, there is both the spirit and the desire of the entire government to continue taking practical steps on this path and in this role,” Koretsky stated.
Thus, the government plans to continue European integration reforms while emphasizing the need to address corruption violations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
This was stated by Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that Budapest would support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union only on the condition that standard procedures are followed, assessments are based on actual merits, and the issue regarding the rights of the Hungarian national minority is resolved.
At the first meeting of the Council of the European Union’s Working Party on Enlargement (COELA) following the summer recess on September 1, the Hungarian delegation once again refused to approve the results of the screening of negotiation clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine.
Ukraine expects to open the remaining negotiation clusters for accession to the European Union by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi discussed progress on European integration with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and stated that the government, together with parliament, is working to accelerate the necessary reforms.
