The European Union has delivered a clear message to Ukraine: while its progress towards membership is recognized, the pace of crucial reforms must accelerate. In its latest annual assessment of candidate countries, the EU praised Kyiv’s commitment but identified significant challenges, particularly in establishing the rule of law and combating corruption.
The European Commission’s report acknowledges Ukraine’s “strong commitment” to its European path, even amid the ongoing war. It notes tangible steps forward in integrating with the single market and reforming public administration. However, the document stresses that sustaining this momentum is critical, warning against any “risk of backsliding.”
A central concern remains the robustness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework. The Commission’s detailed analysis pointed to “notable concern” over the independence of key anti-corruption bodies. It referenced legislative initiatives over the past year that risked undermining transparency and accountability, developments it said “cast doubts” on the nation’s anti-corruption agenda. The report called for urgent action to address procedural delays in high-level corruption cases.
Despite these hurdles, the EU’s political intent to advance Ukraine’s candidacy appears firm. The Commission stated it expects Kyiv to meet the conditions to open all remaining negotiation clusters and is working to enable this before year’s end. It also endorsed an ambitious target to provisionally conclude accession talks by 2028, contingent on a swift acceleration of reforms.
Addressing the political obstacle posed by Hungary’s blocking of formal talks, EU officials emphasized that the reform process itself cannot wait. One senior figure was quoted as telling Ukrainian counterparts that necessary changes “do not need” another member state’s approval to proceed, and that Brussels stands ready to assist.
The broader enlargement report presented a mixed picture across the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe. Montenegro was highlighted as the frontrunner, “on track” to potentially conclude negotiations by 2026. Albania and Moldova also received praise for substantial progress, though with calls to maintain reform momentum.
In contrast, the assessment was sharply critical of Serbia and Georgia. Serbia was cited for a significant slowdown in reforms, a difficult environment for civil society, and backsliding on freedoms. The language was most severe for Georgia, which the Commission described as “a candidate country in name only,” citing a rapid erosion of democratic standards and the rule of law that has effectively halted its accession process.
The EU’s foreign policy chief framed the enlargement drive as a geostrategic imperative, made “very clear cut” by the current security landscape. She reiterated, however, that the process remains “fair, tough and merit-based,” with no shortcuts offered. The bloc’s goal remains the realistic possibility of welcoming new members by 2030.