The EU expects Ukraine to accelerate key reforms — The Guardian
The European Union views Ukraine’s path toward EU membership positively, but Brussels is concerned about the pace of the necessary reforms. Further progress in membership negotiations depends on Ukraine’s fulfillment of a number of reform commitments. European partners expect faster progress, particularly in key areas defined by the conditions for European integration.
Meanwhile, on June 15, Ukraine and Moldova will officially begin the first stage of substantive negotiations on accession to the European Union. This decision became possible following the change of government in Hungary, which had long blocked this process.
According to the publication, European officials believe that Ukraine has so far implemented only about 15% of the reforms outlined in the ten-point plan agreed upon last December between European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka.
This primarily concerns changes in the fight against corruption and the reform of the judicial system.
Specifically, the plan calls for strengthening the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, adopting a new anti-corruption strategy, and improving procedures for appointing judges and prosecutors. Despite concerns about the pace of reforms, Brussels acknowledges Ukraine’s significant progress amid a full-scale war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the opening of the first negotiation cluster an important political and moral signal of support from the European Union.
“Ukraine is doing everything necessary, and it is important that the EU also keep its word. The opening of the first cluster is significant political and moral support for our state and our people,” the head of state noted.
The European Commission also emphasizes that EU enlargement remains a strategic priority. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa noted in a joint statement the determination of Ukraine and Moldova to carry out reforms despite difficult circumstances.
Experts note that technical accession negotiations could take about four years, but the final decision on membership will be political in nature and will require the unanimous support of all EU member states, writes The Guardian.The Guardian: Brussels Disappointed with Pace of Reforms in Ukraine
Ukraine and the European Union may open two negotiation clusters as early as June as part of the accession process. The decision became possible against the backdrop of positive momentum in negotiations, particularly with Hungary regarding issues of national minorities. A final decision is expected during international meetings in the middle of the month.
Thus, June could become one of the key months for Ukraine’s European integration process if political agreements within the EU are finalized on schedule. This is reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Ukrainians believe that the main obstacles to EU membership remain corruption in government bodies and the complexity of public administration.
