Ukraine outlines progress on EU reform path and anti corruption governance
Ukraine has publicly stated its adherence to the seven recommendations issued by the European Union after the country received candidate status. The assertion comes from Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who shared the update via his Telegram channel. The message highlights that Kyiv completed the EU’s guidance aimed at aligning Ukraine with the bloc’s standards, signaling a readiness to advance negotiations on accession within the year. This pledge reflects the government’s intent to demonstrate tangible momentum to European partners and citizens alike. [Attribution: Ukrainian government communications and EU candicate status framework]
In a show of concrete institutional reform, Shmyhal noted the leadership change at Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau. Semyon Krivonos has taken the helm, with the prime minister emphasizing that the appointment followed a transparent competition process. A commission composed of international partners reportedly shortlisted three candidates for the role before selection. The emphasis on openness aligns with Kyiv’s broader push for credible anti corruption mechanisms as a prerequisite for deeper EU engagement. [Attribution: NABU leadership transition records and official statements]
The prime minister asserted that Ukraine has fulfilled all seven EU recommendations tied to candidate status and framed this as proof of the nation’s resolve to initiate accession negotiations within the year. The sense of urgency is paired with a commitment to maintain steady reform momentum, even as challenges persist on the path toward Brussels’ screening and negotiation phases. [Attribution: EU reform benchmarks and national news briefings]
Shmyhal further stressed that appointing a director to the NABU completes a critical strand of Ukraine’s independent anti corruption framework. He described the new leadership as part of a broader system where authorities refuse to tolerate corruption and actively back anti corruption institutions. This stance is presented as essential for reestablishing trust in public institutions and meeting EU expectations for governance transparency. [Attribution: official remarks and governance assessment notes]
Meanwhile, a statement from former President Volodymyr Zelensky, conveyed during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, underscored Kyiv’s intention to start EU accession talks within the calendar year. The dialogue with the European Parliament reinforces the cross‑border political commitment to moving ahead with the membership process, even as negotiations and preparatory steps continue across EU institutions. [Attribution: Zelensky remarks and European Parliament discussions]