What's Happening?
The European Commission is set to commend Ukraine for its 'remarkable commitment' to EU membership despite the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to a draft enlargement report, Ukraine has met the conditions
to open three out of six EU accession clusters, which are necessary steps for joining the union. However, the report also highlights concerns over Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts and judicial independence. The European Commission urges Ukraine to reverse negative trends, such as pressures on anti-corruption agencies and civil society. Despite these challenges, Ukraine aims to complete accession negotiations by 2028, although a more realistic target is 2030.
Why It's Important?
Ukraine's potential EU membership is significant for both the country and the European Union. For Ukraine, joining the EU represents a strategic alignment with Western Europe, offering economic and political stability. For the EU, Ukraine's accession could strengthen the union's geopolitical influence, especially in Eastern Europe. However, the concerns over anti-corruption and judicial independence are critical, as they reflect broader issues of governance and rule of law that could impact Ukraine's integration into the EU. The ongoing resistance from Hungary also highlights the political complexities within the EU regarding enlargement.
What's Next?
The European Commission is pushing to maintain momentum in Ukraine's EU accession bid, despite political resistance from Hungary. The upcoming EU summit in Brussels will be crucial, as leaders are expected to discuss the next steps for enlargement in 2026. The Commission is advocating for technical work to continue, even if formal steps in the accession negotiations are blocked. Additionally, the Commission proposes changes to future enlargement processes to prevent democratic backsliding by new member states, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards in Accession Treaties.
