"Perception of Corruption Has Returned to 2017 Levels": European Parliament Threatens Ukrainian Oligarchs with Visa-Free Travel Revocation

Members of Parliament refuted Arakhamia's claim that the prospect of revoking visa-free travel is just rumors.

Members of the European Parliament have written an open letter to David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction, responding to his statement that the revocation of visa-free travel and the loss of financial aid are "just rumors." MEPs Viola von Cramon, Michael Gahler and Rasa Juknevičienė explained in a letter why this is not rumor.

The MEPs began the letter by noting that since 2015 the EU has provided Ukraine with $15 billion in aid, and they mention this fact only to emphasize that Ukraine has real friends in the EU and that the fate of our country is deeply important to them. They stressed that 17 months ago Zelensky came to power with the "Servants," and praised the Rada's first six months of work in turbo mode, which was especially difficult during the occupation and the hybrid war with Russia. 

President Zelensky himself and the government inspired hopes in the fight against corruption "in the first days of their existence." However, after 17 months, the EU sees "Zelensky's Ukraine of dreams" beginning to crack.

Viola von Cramon, Michael Gahler, Rasa Juknevičienė
Members of the European Parliament

We cannot help but see that some members of the "Servant of the People" spread disinformation supported by the Kremlin, organizing well-coordinated attacks on independent institutions such as the NBU, NABU and SAP. These same deputies do not shy away from communicating with oligarchs and "untouchables" or publicly advocate breaking ties with the EU. We cannot help but see that the perception of corruption in Ukraine in 2020 has returned to the 2017 level, the much-touted reforms are being rolled back, and the head of SAP is being put up for election by a commission that lacks significant anti-corruption experience, reputation, high moral qualities and state authority.

All of this, according to the MEPs, puts at risk Ukraine's receipt of $1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance. The European Parliament also reported that visa-free travel will in no case be revoked for the public, but in specific cases it may be revoked for officials and oligarchs.

Viola von Cramon, Michael Gahler, Rasa Juknevičienė
Members of the European Parliament

As for the visa-free regime, the EU in no way intends to revoke this great achievement for all citizens of Ukraine and the EU. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to impose a specific denial of such freedoms on individual oligarchs and politicians who abuse this right in their private illegal activities.

The deputies said they believe that within the presidential party there are "energetic, intelligent and honest legislators who put the national interests of the country above all and fight for its European future." However, they are in the minority.

In the letter, the MEPs called on Ukraine to revive its zeal for reform and its commitment to democratization, to deepen integration on the principle of "more for more," and to fight together with the EU for a free and united Ukraine. "Dear Mr. Arakhamia, come to the European Parliament next time you and President Zelensky are in Brussels. You have friends here," the deputies concluded.

Earlier, MEP Viola von Cramon recommended that the Ukrainian authorities listen to what the EU says, otherwise the country risks losing its visa-free regime. David Arakhamia then called the revocation of visa-free travel a rumor.