REUTERS

The European Union expects that a High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine will launch its work before the end of 2018.

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"We look forward to the court being fully operational before the end of the year as this is the intention of the authorities. What counts now, what will support the country and its people to fight against corruption will be the full implementation of this act. The European Union stands ready to support the process," Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Maja Kocijančič said in a statement on August 10, as reported by RBC-Ukraine media outlet.

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The European Union views the adoption of legislation to establish the High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine as a positive development in accordance with its international obligations. The establishment marks a significant step in the crucial fight against corruption in Ukraine, which is a key component of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

"Once established, the High Anti-Corruption Court will complete the chain of independent anti-corruption institutions that also includes the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The EU underlines the need for all anti-corruption institutions to be fully independent and carry out their tasks free from undue influence. To this end, it is important that the integrity and credibility of the Office of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor and its leadership are upheld and reinforced," reads the statement.