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.

Source: Guillaume Mercier during a press briefing on 13 November, as reported by a European Pravda journalist in Brussels

Details: The European Commission said that uncovering corrupted officials in Ukraine indicates the state's anti-corruption institutions are working.

Quote: "This investigation shows that anti-corruption bodies are in place and functioning in Ukraine."

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

Quote: "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."

More details: 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.

Quote: "The Commission will continue to monitor the situation."

Background:

• 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.

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