Scandal erupts over Ukraine's parliament move to block key EU integration bills

A parliamentary committee on Aug. 21 defended its earlier decision to block five bills intended to strengthen the country's fight against corruption.

The bills are requirements of the European Union, both to receive an estimated 2.1 billion euros ($2.45 billion) at the end of 2026, as well as to advance Kyiv's EU accession talks.

The move has sparked outrage and drawn sharp criticism from pro-reform lawmakers and anti-corruption activists. They argued that the decision was a major blow to both Ukraine's EU integration and anti-corruption reforms.

Photo: Daniel Gnap/NurPhoto via Getty Images.