They have made strong progress. It is clear and we can expect a clearer picture soon as the Commission presents its report on enlargement next week. The sixth visit to Kiev reinforces Europe’s steady support since Russia’s occupation began. The Panel of Commissioners is set to issue a positive recommendation on opening accession talks with Ukraine this Wednesday, with the final decision resting with the 27 EU heads of state and government at the December summit.
Brussels granted candidate status in June 2022, recognizing Ukraine’s solid parliamentary democracy and well‑functioning public administration that ensure the state’s governance. A year and a half later, as global attention shifted to other crises, the European Commission plans to publish a progress report intended as a gauge of advancement. The message is clear: momentum remains a key driver for Kyiv’s reform agenda.
According to the document released this Tuesday by Radio Free Europe and potentially subject to change, the Commission views Kyiv as meeting several of the outlined conditions. Four of seven milestones in 2024 were met, two more than in June, according to Oliver Varhelyi, the Commissioner for Enlargement, who assessed the situation in the presence of European affairs ministers. Brussels later confirmed that Kyiv had completed benchmarks aimed at reducing emissions and strengthening the separation of media power from the judiciary. Two more areas were added, including financial integrity and the protection of candidates for membership of the High Council of Justice, plus the establishment of a high‑qualification Commission for judges.
On the other hand, Kyiv has not yet fully addressed the remaining three conditions that must improve before talks can begin: further intensifying the fight against corruption, especially in appointing a new head for the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office; strengthening the law on pressure groups to curb undue influence by oligarchs; and reforming legislation on national minorities, as well as amendments to the state language, media, and education laws in line with Venice Commission guidance. Despite this mixed balance, President von der Leyen expressed support for continuing to give Kyiv the needed space, noting that more than 90 percent of the requested measures have been completed.
Support from Brussels
She stressed the impression Ukraine’s reforms have left amid war. The nation is fighting for its existence while driving deep reforms. Milestones include reforming the judiciary, curbing oligarchic control, combatting money laundering, and more, she acknowledged from Kyiv, urging Ukraine to finish the pending reforms. The path forward includes reaching the next stage of the process and increasing participation in EU integration efforts.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro‑Atlantic integration, Olha Stefanishyna, commented on social media that while some may disagree or feel the assessment is harsh, Ukraine has already set a high bar for enlargement countries. In addition to the Ukraine assessment, the Commission will also publish its views on Moldova, Georgia, and the remaining Western Balkan economies, marking a broader regional evaluation of readiness and commitment to reforms. (European Commission)