The European Union intends to recommend the start of membership negotiations with Ukraine, which will be an important milestone in the country’s aspiration to join the EU.

The European Commission has analyzed Ukraine in several directions of reforms, and it is expected that it will receive a positive assessment. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed his readiness to fulfill all the conditions put forward by the European Union, including ensuring the rights of national minorities and further anti-corruption measures. This step is considered as an incentive for Ukraine’s integration into European institutions, ensuring economic and social security for its citizens.

EU creates prerequisites for Ukraine’s historic step

Since Ukraine’s chances of joining the European Union look increasingly promising, the EU leadership recommended starting negotiations on membership with Kyiv, provided that it fulfills certain conditions. This development 20 months after the Russian invasion is a significant geopolitical shift. The European Commission will assess Ukraine’s progress in seven areas of reform, which will affect the results of the crucial meeting of EU national leaders scheduled for December. This expertise is key for Ukraine, especially now that it is struggling with combat fatigue and uncertainty about military aid from the United States of America.

It is noteworthy that the official representatives of the EU assume that the negotiations with Ukraine and another candidate, Moldova, can begin next year. However, the path to EU membership is usually long and requires candidates to meet broad legal and economic criteria.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine has already achieved significant success, fulfilling more than 90% of the stipulated requirements for the start of official negotiations. This includes steps such as:

• intensification of anti-corruption efforts;
• adoption of lobbying laws;
• improvement of asset declaration rules.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized Ukraine’s commitment both to the fight against war and to the implementation of deep changes. She expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to fulfill the remaining provisions and achieve the necessary level of progress on the way to the European Union. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, supported this opinion, saying that a positive EU decision will inspire the nation and its army.