Ukraine’s EU Accession Negotiations: Optimism Amid Challenges and New Developments
Ukraine continues to actively prepare for the official start of accession negotiations with the European Union, despite recent complex events that have shaken Ukrainian-European relations.
Former Deputy Prime Minister for European integration Olga Stefanishyna affirms that the process to open negotiations remains feasible and reachable.
In Kyiv and European capitals, there is a steadfast belief that, despite changes in legislation regarding the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and strong reactions from the EU, the opening of formal discussions is still an attainable goal.
According to Stefanishyna, the attempt to open the first negotiation cluster, planned for July 18 during the EU Council meeting, was blocked not by Ukraine but due to political and diplomatic processes within EU member states.
She reminded that Kyiv previously received official confirmation that Ukraine had met the conditions to start negotiations, and all sides were optimistic.
Although recent days have been marked by internal crises and disagreements over reforming anti-corruption agencies, Stefanishyna urges to remain optimistic and believe in future progress.
She emphasizes that opening the first cluster will be a significant step toward reforming the legal sector and building trust between Kyiv and Brussels.
The European side has expressed concern about the law on NABU and SAP, which has triggered diplomatic consultations and warnings about potential consequences for Ukraine’s future EU integration.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian authorities, led by Stefanishyna, are determined to continue reforms and cooperate with European partners, believing in the value of European integration for the country’s future.