EU Commission’s New Requirements for Ukraine’s Path to EU Accession: Immediate Steps Needed
According to information obtained from Reuters, the upcoming draft of the European Commission’s report highlights key provisions and recommendations for Ukraine’s European Union accession process.
The document emphasizes that despite significant challenges caused by Russia’s war, the Ukrainian government has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the idea of joining the EU and pursuing integration into the European community.
However, the report also stresses the necessity for Ukraine to accelerate reforms in the fields of rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and judicial independence.
European officials noted that in July, Ukrainian authorities took steps to increase oversight by the General Prosecutor’s Office over key anti-corruption agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.
Amid ongoing war and rare protests, Ukraine’s leadership is compelled to act swiftly to address internal issues, although these measures have drawn the attention of the international community to potential shortcomings in anticorruption efforts.
The draft report calls for the complete halt of negative tendencies, particularly the pressure exerted on anti-corruption agencies and civil society organizations, to advance Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.
While EU member states publicly support Ukraine’s aspirations, there are no immediate plans for EU accession, and many diplomats acknowledge that Ukraine’s accession faces considerable hurdles.
Ukraine aims to complete accession negotiations by 2028, but this requires intensified reform efforts, especially in legal and judicial sectors.
The Commission also plans to strengthen guarantees to safeguard democratic standards in future accession treaties, ensuring that new member states uphold commitments made during negotiations.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has persistently sought to progress toward EU membership, submitting an application shortly after the invasion began.
Despite war-related difficulties and opposition from Hungary, Ukraine continues to push forward, aiming for the next phase of negotiations.
Prior to the report’s publication, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call with President Zelensky to discuss enlargement plans.
On November 4, a historic enlargement summit will take place in Brussels, where EU leaders will participate, including Zelensky remotely.
The same day, the EU is expected to approve the fifth tranche of financial aid for Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility program, vital for supporting Ukraine during this difficult time.