Law on Prosecutor’s Office another missed opportunity

  Statement by the spokespersons of High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Fьle on the changes to the Law of the Prosecutor’s office in Ukraine

High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle express their disappointment at the enactment of amendments to the law on the functioning of the Prosecutor’s Office.

They note that these changes were not consulted with the Venice Commission/Council of Europe. They believe this represents a missed opportunity to pursue Ukraine’s commitment to comprehensively reform the Prosecutor’s office in line with European standards.

The EU recalls that Ukraine has committed to adopting within one year from the entry into force of the new Criminal Procedure Code a comprehensive revision of the law on the functioning of the Prosecutor’s Office. It should bring together the necessary measures that create a legal system that includes a balance between law enforcement and the judiciary, the presumption of innocence and respect for fundamental freedoms.

The EU remains ready to assist Ukraine in continuing its judicial reform efforts.