Ukraine has successfully completed the screening stage in the “Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy” chapter, which is a key element in the process of European integration and obtaining full membership in the European Union
This is a significant event for the country, as it confirms the high level of preparedness and compliance of Ukrainian legislation with European standards in the fields of entrepreneurship and industrial development. The compliance check of Ukrainian legislation, conducted within a fairly short timeframe, took place on April 28-29 in the capital of the European Union — Brussels. The official screening is a comprehensive procedure during which European experts evaluate how well Ukrainian norms align with EU standards and regulations. Preparatory work for this important stage lasted several months, during which Ukrainian specialists carefully examined the compliance and proposed possible options for legislative adaptation. The Ukrainian delegation, representing the Ministry of Economy, includes highly professional experts, notably Deputy Ministers Tetyana Berezhna and Andriy Telypu, as well as heads of departments and representatives of ministries and state agencies responsible for the development of entrepreneurship and industry. They presented the country’s developments in modernizing production energy systems, green transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as innovative approaches to developing light and steel industries. During the negotiation sessions, considerable attention was paid to supporting enterprises that continue to operate even during the war, maintaining jobs and providing export opportunities. Emphasis was also placed on the implementation of circular economy principles, which promote sustainable development and reduce environmental impact. Particular interest was sparked by the topic of corporate sustainability and business responsibility, where Ukraine strives to harmonize its policies with European standards. Another important area discussed was digitalization and deregulation, which help simplify regulatory procedures and promote the development of modern digital services for business. Additionally, development of the social economy was highlighted, focusing on supporting enterprises aimed at recovery and public well-being. Regarding the industrial sector, Ukrainian representatives presented plans to restore heavy industry, including the steel industry, and to integrate into European supply chains. According to sources, European experts highly appreciated the level of preparation of the Ukrainian delegation and its ability to engage in constructive cooperation. At the same time, areas for improvement were identified, notably a faster implementation of the EU Directive on overdue payments, which aims to stimulate the business environment in the country. Overall, Ukrainian specialists put forward convincing arguments and proposals for further progress in the fields of entrepreneurship and industrial policy. It is important to note that this is the fourth screening phase, and it demonstrated Ukraine’s high level of preparedness despite difficulties stemming from internal political challenges and external pressures. However, despite the success in completing the screening, Ukraine still needs to pass several key stages of compliance and political agreements before full accession to the EU. Ambitious plans to accelerate Ukraine’s EU accession process, previously announced, face significant challenges — notably the veto by Hungary. This has become an additional obstacle for Ukrainian diplomacy, prompting the country to seek new avenues to achieve its goals. Recent events indicate that the issue of Ukraine’s further integration into the European Union remains on the agenda. The Deputy Prime Ministers of Moldova and Ukraine, along with officials from Brussels, agreed on regular consultations to unblock the negotiation process and move forward. It is crucial to emphasize that the implementation of all planned reforms and compliance with EU standards are key to realizing the country’s ambitions of membership. In summary, completing the screening in the "Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy" chapter is a vital step on Ukraine’s path toward European integration, which depends on effective government work, support from civil society, and international cooperation. Currently, this stage opens new opportunities and inspires Ukrainian institutions to continue progressing in the implementation of European values and standards.