Ukraine's energy scandal has become a risk for EU accession

Corruption scandal in the energy sector could slow down Ukraine's accession to the EU

Publications. La Repubblica reports that a corruption investigation in the energy sector involving Energoatom and businessman Timur Mindich is creating serious obstacles to Ukraine's path to European Union membership.
The investigation reportedly concerns a group that received more than $100 million in bribes through the wartime energy security system.
In this regard, the EU authorities emphasise the need to Strengthen the fight against corruption, This has become a key criterion for Ukraine in the process of integration.

Details of the case

• La Repubblica journalists note that the investigation concerns individuals who received criminal proceeds under the guise of contracts to protect energy infrastructure from shelling.

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• One of the investigative journalists interviewed claims that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could not have been unaware of such schemes, but the question is whether he was an accomplice.

• The EU document notes that the weak fight against grand corruption remains one of the main barriers to the country's development and integration.

Implications for EU accession

Anti-corruption standards are a key component of the EU integration criteria. The publication notes that «a similar case could become an obstacle in the process of European integration».
At the same time, EU representatives demand that Ukraine accelerate reforms, not just declarations.
If the authorities do not show clear progress in investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials, this may affect the assessment of the country's progress towards the Union.