European Commission: Corruption scandal proves Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies work

European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier has said that investigations into corruption activity and the exposure of graft schemes involving senior officials have proved that Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies are functioning.

As reported by a European Pravda journalist in Brussels, the European Commission said that uncovering corrupted officials in Ukraine indicates the state's anti-corruption institutions are working.

"This investigation shows that anti-corruption bodies are in place and functioning in Ukraine," Mercier said during a press briefing.

He added that "the fight against corruption has been central to our enlargement package".

"The fight against corruption is key for a country to join the EU. It requires continuous efforts to guarantee a strong capacity to combat corruption and the respect for the rule of law," he added.

He also said that the role of independent anti-corruption bodies, a cornerstone of the rule of law in Ukraine as a future EU member state, must be safeguarded.

"The Commission will continue to monitor the situation," Mercier concluded.

On 12 November, the Cabinet of Ministers under PM Yuliia Svyrydenko adopted a decision to submit a proposal to the National Security and Defence Council to impose sanctions against Tymur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman.

Danish Minister for Economy Stephanie Lose has said earlier that the EU continues to stand firmly with Ukraine amid the energy-sector scandal and has reminded Kyiv of the need to press on with reforms.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has said that corruption is widespread across Europe, but what matters is how states respond, expressing confidence in Ukraine's anti-corruption course with EU support.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has said that the European Union should stop "sending European citizens' money to Ukraine" following the latest corruption scandal.