Statement from the European Solidarity Parliamentary Faction
The European Solidarity faction has formally urged the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada to add crucial bills related to Ukraine's European integration and anti-corruption efforts to the parliamentary agenda. This appeal came immediately after the Coordination Council meeting, where urgent legislative priorities were discussed.
The faction stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive Anti-Corruption Strategy, reforming law enforcement agencies, and enhancing the parliament's influence over economic and budget policies. Co-chairs Iryna Herashchenko and Artur Herasymov highlighted that the European Commission’s enlargement report criticized the slow pace of reforms in Ukraine, concerns over the independence of anti-corruption bodies, and the failure of both parliament and government to fulfill certain commitments. As Herasymov emphasized:
“The proposed reforms must include tangible mechanisms for change rather than mere formal legislative adjustments.”
Faction Priorities and Legislative Proposals
European Solidarity has submitted several key legislative initiatives that remain unaddressed in the parliamentary session hall. Their top priorities include passing the Anti-Corruption Strategy and bills from the 'Kachka–Kos' plan, which aim to:
- Revamp the functioning of the State Bureau of Investigations;
- Overhaul the Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General;
- Introduce competitive selection processes for the Prosecutor General and prosecutors.
Iryna Herashchenko also raised concerns about income declarations by advisors to the President’s Office, insisting this issue be incorporated into anti-corruption legislation:
“I bring attention to the need for income declarations by advisors to the President’s Office and call for this requirement to be included in anti-corruption laws.”
European Solidarity intends to push for the consideration of these proposals in upcoming parliamentary sessions. Additionally, the faction has called for summoning heads of law enforcement agencies and ombudsmen to the Verkhovna Rada to report on the recent incidents in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka. They are also demanding parliamentary discussions on fair mobilization policies, military service terms, and soldiers’ financial support—issues of high societal and defense importance.
This initiative highlights the urgent need for reforms in Ukraine, especially in light of the country’s commitments to European integration. The European Commission’s critique underscores the necessity for more proactive parliamentary engagement on anti-corruption reforms, which directly affect Ukraine’s international reputation and prospects for European Union financial aid. Calls for greater transparency in government bodies, including the President’s Office, reflect an increasing focus on upholding anti-corruption standards nationwide.
In light of the ongoing discussions about Ukraine's legislative priorities, it is crucial to consider the recent calls from the European Solidarity for a parliamentary hearing regarding law enforcement actions and military support. These issues are deeply intertwined with the need for robust anti-corruption measures and effective governance, emphasizing the urgency of comprehensive reforms in Ukraine's political landscape.