Ukraine on course for the EU: reforms urgently required – dampen expectations!

Ukraine on course for the EU: reforms urgently required – dampen expectations!

Ukraine shows strong commitment to the European Union accession process despite the challenges posed by the ongoing Russian war of aggression. This emerges from a new EU analysis published by [Kleine Zeitung]. However, in order to actually make progress, numerous negative developments must be totemo-substantiated, including pressure on anti-corruption authorities as well as on civil society.

A key concern of the EU is that Ukraine adapts more closely to European standards in the protection of fundamental rights, as well as administrative and decentralization reforms. The Commission calls, in particular, for reforms in the area of ​​the rule of law to be accelerated. The Ukrainian government aims to complete accession negotiations by the end of 2028, but expectations of reform progress are warned to be too high.

Necessary reforms

A comprehensive package of reforms is essential to strengthen the independence, integrity and efficiency of Ukraine's judiciary and law enforcement system. This includes stepping up the fight against organized crime, which is seen as one of the biggest challenges. In addition to Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans, including Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo, also have access to the accession negotiations. These states will also be evaluated on Tuesday.

Montenegro is currently furthest along in the EU admission process, with accession negotiations appearing possible by the end of 2026 if the pace of reforms is maintained. Albania could complete its negotiations by the end of 2027. It should not be forgotten that the final accession of all these countries depends on the consent and ratification of all EU states. In France, a referendum could possibly be organized before ratification.

Outlook on EU enlargement

In contrast, the accession processes for Turkey and Georgia have stalled due to existing democratic and constitutional deficits. Georgia is even described in the analysis as an “accession candidate that only exists on paper”. There are strong concerns about repressive laws, the political instrumentalization of the judiciary and the persecution of opposition members.

With regard to Turkey, regressions in the areas of fundamental rights and the rule of law have been identified, which has led the EU Commission to question this process and at the same time point out to Member States the urgency of complying with EU standards.

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