© European Commission
The European Commission has formally released a document regarding Ukraine's advancement on its path to European Union membership. It indicates that Ukraine, alongside Moldova, Montenegro, and Albania, distinguishes itself among other nations vying for EU integration.
“They’ve demonstrated the most substantial enhancements in reforms throughout the preceding year. Given the current tempo and standard of reforms, we could find ourselves able to finalize accession talks in the years ahead. If executed effectively, a broadened Union will fortify Europe. The Commission will prioritize the utmost caliber of reforms, notably concerning the rule of law, democratic institutions, and fundamental liberties. There will be no concessions,” the EC stated .
Indeed, the report addresses all six clusters for which negotiations should be initiated before Ukraine accedes to the EU:
- cluster 1 – foundational elements of accession processes;
- cluster 2 – internal market;
- cluster 3 – competitiveness and inclusive economic expansion;
- Cluster 4 – Ecological Agenda and Sustainable Interconnectivity;
- cluster 5 – resources, agriculture and cohesion policies;
- Cluster 6 – foreign affairs.
According to the EC, in general, despite Russian hostility, Ukraine persists in its unwavering dedication to its trajectory toward EU membership. The Ukrainian government has successfully concluded the screening procedure and has achieved advancements in crucial reforms.
“Ukraine has sanctioned roadmaps pertaining to the rule of law, public governance, and the functioning of democratic establishments, as well as an action strategy concerning national minorities, which the Commission has appraised favorably,” the EC supplemented.
The European Commission underscored that Ukraine has met all prerequisites for the commencement of clusters 1, 2, and 6. The EC also anticipates that the conditions for the remaining three clusters will be satisfied. The Commission is exerting effort to guarantee that the European Council can inaugurate all clusters before the year concludes.
“The Ukrainian administration has articulated its objective to provisionally conclude accession deliberations by the close of 2028. The Commission is dedicated to bolstering this ambitious endeavor, but posits that its realization necessitates intensifying the speed of reforms, particularly concerning fundamental principles, encompassing the rule of law,” the EC remarked.
Commentary by ZN.UA The favorable evaluation of Ukraine's advancement was, in particular, facilitated by the antecedent screening, which furnished the EU with substantially more data about Ukraine than they possessed when compiling prior documents. Consequently, this year's commendable result is attributable not only to reforms, but also to the rectification of the underestimated valuations of prior reports. Across all clusters, we observe no regression or absence of advancement, with a solitary exception: “The sustained deficiency of advancement in a series of policy resolutions, including the criminalization of hate crimes, the establishment of civil partnerships, and the overhaul of personal data safeguarding, is cause for concern.”
Previously, the press documented that there exists no mechanism to override the Hungarian veto, and the resolution to commence negotiation clusters with a candidate nation is rendered exclusively unanimously. Consequently, the commencement of negotiation clusters between Ukraine and the EU can only transpire following the parliamentary elections in Hungary in April 2026, contingent upon Orban’s party forfeiting its majority.
