Corruption as the Main Barrier to Ukraine’s Bright Future in the EU and Public Perceptions of European Integration
Over recent years, Ukrainian society has increasingly engaged in discussions about the country’s future on its path toward European integration.
One of the most commonly cited obstacles hindering a positive outlook on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is corruption—a deeply ingrained phenomenon that has become an inseparable part of Ukrainian politics and social life.
According to survey data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, conducted at the end of July and beginning of August, more than half of respondents believe that in ten years, Ukraine will still be a country with a developed economy and high living standards but that corruption will remain the key obstacle preventing the realization of this future.
Many Ukrainians see corruption as fostering stagnation and having created a system that erodes trust in state institutions.
They emphasize that Ukrainian authorities need to overhaul anti-corruption measures and improve governance, but doubts about the government’s ability to implement reforms persist due to inefficiency and widespread corruption schemes.
As a result, respondents fear that even after ten years, Ukraine may not achieve prosperity because of the influence of corruption system and war-induced destruction.
Moreover, many Ukrainian citizens express skepticism about the European institutions’ willingness to intervene effectively, often pointing out that Europe prioritizes its own interests over internal Ukrainian reforms.
There is also concern that rebuilding Ukraine will take more than a decade due to war damages, and the integration process into the EU may be lengthened by bureaucratic hurdles.
Overall, 53% of Ukrainians believe that within ten years, Ukraine will become a prosperous and stable member of the European Union, but a significant portion remains doubtful because of corruption and ongoing conflicts.
In the broader context of global challenges, Ukraine must develop a clear anti-corruption agenda and seek international support to overcome internal difficulties, ensuring that in the future it can fully realize its potential within the European community.