Ukraine and Moldova: New steps towards EU accession

The European Commission officially recommends that the European Council start the process of negotiations on the possible accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union. This was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, noting that Ukraine has successfully implemented more than 90% of the EU's recommendations on reforms and the state of justice.

Von der Leyen expressed confidence in significant progress, in particular in the areas of constitutional justice, reform of the High Council of Justice, anti-corruption measures, fight against money laundering, limiting the influence of oligarchs, and improving legislation on media and national minorities.

The President of the European Commission added that other reforms are also being actively implemented, and the European Commission supports these efforts. Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized that the recommendations and recommendations for Ukraine will continue to be taken into account in the coming months.

It is important to note that the duration of the negotiation process and Ukraine's eventual accession to the EU will depend on the pace of the necessary reforms. She expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian people for their determination to reform the country even during the war, which is crucial for their future.

It is mentioned that in June 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidates for membership in the European Union. For the next steps and procedures on the way to membership, Ukraine had to implement the European Commission's recommendations related to reforms in the areas of justice, anti-corruption, anti-oligarchic legislation, audiovisual standards, and national minority rights.

Katarina Mathernova, EU Delegate to Ukraine, emphasized that the possibility of Ukraine joining the EU during the war poses a great challenge, as EU standards and laws should apply throughout the country. Also, according to her, the timing of accession will be determined by the speed of reforms and the readiness of the EU itself to expand.