Ukraine must reform SBI to join EU

Ukraine has pledged to reform the State Bureau of Investigation in order to join the European Union.

This follows from a joint statement of European Commissioner for the Judiciary Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Taras Kachka, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

Ukraine should reform the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) by conducting an independent comprehensive review of the SBI's institutional structure, integrity mechanisms and oversight functions to assess the need and feasibility of further reforms in line with best European practices, facilitating the preparation, adoption and implementation of a law that will provide a response to the recommendations.

Ukraine also committed to appointing internationally vetted judges to the Constitutional Court and members of the High Council of Justice without delay. And in close cooperation with the European Commission, to apply modalities and expand the involvement of international experts in the selection panel for the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ).

The EU also obliged Ukraine to adopt legislation on judicial integrity declarations that clarifies the content of the declaration, extends the period covered by it, and improves verification procedures; for the Supreme Court, this includes the temporary involvement of independent international experts.

Legislation should also be adopted to improve the enforcement of court decisions on monetary and non-monetary obligations and digitalization

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Ukraine will review the procedure for appointing and dismissing the Prosecutor General to join the EU. Ukraine pledged to extend the statute of limitations in corruption cases in 2026 and to cancel the automatic closure of criminal cases due to the expiration of pre-trial investigation terms in order to join the European Union.

To request a correction, please send an email.