Ukraine progresses toward EU talks as officials welcome Commission recommendation
The Ukrainian leadership has not specified how long the process for possible European Union membership could take, despite the European Commission’s advice to begin negotiations with Kiev. This update comes from TASS reporting. Officials emphasize that the timing is less important than receiving a clear signal and concrete reform proposals that pave the way forward.
President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored that Kyiv will concentrate on delivering reforms aimed at strengthening anti corruption measures. He noted that implementing these changes is the immediate priority and that such steps would set a solid foundation for the broader accession effort.
On November 8, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal commented on the European Commission’s recommendation to initiate negotiations with Ukraine on EU membership. He described the move as a pivotal moment for EU leaders to reach a political decision to start talks with Ukraine by December this year, signaling a possible path toward membership consideration.
That same day, Zelensky described the Commission’s recommendation to begin negotiations with Kyiv on EU membership as a correct and constructive step that aligns with Ukraine’s reform agenda and international expectations.
Earlier, the Commission had indicated that negotiations regarding accession to the European Union would commence with Ukraine and Moldova, highlighting a shared approach to regional integration and reform commitments across partner states.
Context surrounding NATO membership has also featured in recent public remarks. Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained why Ukraine may face barriers to joining NATO that are unrelated to Kyiv’s reforms, pointing to wider alliance considerations and security architecture factors.
Analysts view the Commission’s recommendation as a catalyst for deeper alignment with EU standards, including governance, judiciary reforms, and competitive market processes. Ukrainian officials stress that progress on these fronts will be essential to sustain momentum through the negotiation phase and to meet the criteria envisaged for candidate status. The dialogue is framed as a strategic step toward closer ties with the European Union, with the outcome depending on sustained domestic reform, regional stability, and international diplomacy.