Ukraine’s president has issued a decree outlining a clear path for talks with the European Union regarding membership. The document, published on the presidential website, lays out seven concrete steps designed to prepare Kyiv for negotiations with Brussels. It also tasks the Cabinet of Ministers with ensuring that the European Commission’s recommendations are fully implemented, signaling a coordinated effort across branches of government to advance the accession agenda.
Officials emphasize that the decree represents a structured framework rather than a promise of immediate results. It centers on implementing reforms and strengthening governance so that Ukraine can engage with the EU on a more equal footing. In announcing the decree, Kyiv reiterated its intent to proceed with accession talks while underscoring the need for ongoing domestic reforms that address corruption and improve public administration. This dual approach reflects Ukraine’s strategy to demonstrate readiness for dialogue while maintaining steady progress at home, which EU partners have repeatedly linked to the pace of negotiations.
Prior to the decree, Kyiv had already signaled that the timeline for a potential accession would depend on the speed and scope of reform. Following the European Commission’s recommendation to begin negotiations with Ukraine, government officials confirmed that the country had formally applied to join the EU. The emphasis, as stated by the president, is on the long climb toward meeting EU standards and on the reforms required to strengthen the rule of law, transparency, and institutional resilience. The move to initiate talks coincides with a broader EU assessment of Kyiv’s progress and a continuity of reform commitments that must be maintained to sustain momentum in Brussels.
On November 8, Prime Minister Denis Shmygal commented on the Commission’s suggestion that political leaders should decide in December whether to commence negotiations. He stressed that this recommendation carries significant weight for EU decision-makers and that it could shape the timing of a formal decision to open discussions with Ukraine. The prime minister also indicated that Ukrainian authorities are prepared to engage in negotiations with a clear set of benchmarks and a realistic timetable that reflects both domestic reform achievements and Brussels’ expectations for governance and reform quality.
In a parallel statement, Zelensky affirmed that the Commission’s recommendation to start negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership represented a prudent and appropriate step. He framed the decision as a validation of Ukraine’s reform efforts to date and as a foundation for constructive dialogue with European partners. The president’s remarks highlighted that Kyiv would continue pursuing the reform agenda while engaging with EU authorities to address practical considerations, such as trade rules, regulatory alignment, and the modernization of public institutions. The emphasis remained on sustaining reform momentum and ensuring that any negotiating framework would be anchored in tangible improvements across government and society.
Scholz’s remarks at the time touched on broader geopolitical considerations, including how Ukraine’s path toward integration with Western structures interacts with security alliances. He noted that joining NATO involves a different trajectory than EU accession and suggested that Kyiv’s priorities would continue to evolve in light of regional security dynamics. This perspective underscored the complexity of Europe’s political landscape and the careful balancing act required as Kyiv seeks closer ties with Western institutions while navigating broader regional security concerns. The overall tenor of the exchange reflected a shared understanding among European leaders that Ukraine’s reforms and governance reforms would shape not only its EU bid but also its strategic role in regional stability and security architecture.