Europe expects Ukraine to implement new laws to reduce the excessive influence of oligarchs and to appoint top anti-corruption officials in order to become an EU member.

This was stated by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her speech in the Verkhovna Rada via video link.

"Fight corruption. You have created an amazing machine to fight corruption, but now this set of institutions needs real teeth. We need proper people to head these institutions, we need a SAP prosecutor, the director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). They should be appointed as soon as possible," she said.

Von der Leyen stressed that it is also necessary to reform the Constitutional Court.

"Legislation is needed to make it possible to elect a judge, as recommended by the Venice Commission. The institutions must live, so that they can meet the expectations of your people", - added the head of the European Commission.

According to her, Ukraine must reduce the influence of oligarchs on the country's economy.

"Today, Ukraine is the only country in the eastern partnership that has passed a law to split the pincers of oligarchic power on the economy. Now the focus should be on implementing this law.

A media law is also needed, connecting Ukrainian legislation to current standards in the EU," von der Leyen stressed.

The head of the European Commission said that the Verkhovna Rada has already passed many laws.

"Reforms take time, that's how democracy works. We need to work closely. You have shown that you can pass laws, although the war is rampant. Today I came with a simple message: there is a long road ahead, but Europe will be on your side. I believe in a European future for Ukraine. The reason is that Ukrainians are persistent, determined," she stressed.