Ukraine is entering a new phase of anti-corruption transformation. In response to public demand and international pressure, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law that restores the independence of key anti-corruption institutions — NABU and SAPO. This is not just a technical amendment — it is a turning point that should become a starting point for a qualitative change in the business climate, strengthening investor confidence and fulfilling obligations to international partners.
At a time when Ukraine is fighting not only on the front, but also for transparent economic rules, Law No. 13533 aims to eliminate political interference in the work of anti-corruption bodies and ensure their real independence. Will this be a step towards civilized investing? The Banker.ua editorial team investigated how the new changes will affect business and the state.
Anti-corruption system under threat
As of July 2025, Ukraine faced a serious challenge. Bill No. 12414, adopted on July 22, provided for the expansion of the Prosecutor General’s powers in the activities of the NABU and the SAPO — in fact, this could turn independent bodies into divisions of the prosecutor’s office. International partners clearly spoke out against it: the IMF, the European Union, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warned of the threat of disruption of financing and suspension of negotiations on European integration.
Ukrainian society reacted instantly: the largest protests since the beginning of the full-scale war took place. There was only one demand — to return the independence of anti-corruption bodies, as stipulated by the Constitution and international obligations of Ukraine.
A law that changes everything
On July 31, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a new law No. 13533, which abolished the scandalous amendments. 331 MPs supported the document. The President signed the law on the same day, restoring the legal balance. Now NABU and SAPO can act independently, without external influence from the prosecutor’s office or political leadership.
According to the Prime Minister, this step was critically important for “maintaining investor confidence and fulfilling Ukraine’s international obligations in times of war.”
What does this law mean for business?
The independence of the anti-corruption vertical is the basis of fair competition. When business is not forced to pay for “resolving issues,” and large companies do not have preferences in courts or tenders, a level playing field is formed. The European Business Association said that the new law is a “positive signal for investors.” According to the results of the study, 47% of companies consider corruption to be one of the main barriers to investing in Ukraine. The OECD and the IMF confirmed that maintaining the independence of NABU and SAPO is a prerequisite for further financial support to Ukraine.
Key objectives of the law
The focus of the reforms is not only on the response to the crisis, but also on a systemic reboot. The main objectives of the legislative changes:
Restoration of institutional independence: The powers of the Prosecutor General’s Office to control NABU/SAP cases have been abolished. Now the investigation cannot be blocked or replaced by a political decision.
Increasing investment attractiveness: Independent bodies ensure fair competition in the public procurement, privatization and bank lending markets. This reduces corruption risks and creates a predictable environment for business.
Stability of the European integration course: The law is harmonized with EU principles and GRECO recommendations. This paves the way for a new stage in the negotiations on accession to the European Union.
What has been achieved so far?
In 2023, anti-corruption agencies showed record efficiency:
87 cases totaling UAH 4.7 billion,
more than 20 investigations against high-ranking officials,
2 billion UAH returned to the state or directed to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
These figures are not just statistics. These are real funds returned to the economy and proof that the system can work.
Further steps and prospects
The adoption of a new anti-corruption law opens up important opportunities for Ukraine to form a transparent and stable business climate. In the coming months, it is planned to introduce electronic monitoring of the activities of the NABU and the SAPO, which will allow the public to receive timely information about the progress of investigations. In parallel, the protection of whistleblowers will be strengthened, which will create conditions for more active detection of abuses at all levels of government.
The government and parliament also intend to continue reforms of the judicial system in order to speed up the consideration of corruption cases and reduce the possibility of external influence on judges’ decisions. This will increase the trust of business and international partners in the legal system of Ukraine. Thanks to these measures, experts predict that in the next 1–2 years the country will be able to significantly improve its positions in the world rankings of investment attractiveness and the fight against corruption. Restoring the independence of anti-corruption bodies is an important step towards attracting new investments, creating jobs and stable economic development of the country.
