Ukraine fulfilled 90% of the recommendations put forward by the European Commission

The European Commission has recommended starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. However, Kyiv must implement some of the reforms that have not yet been realized. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, made this statement, as reported by the European Pravda .

Reforms in Progress

During a briefing in Brussels, von der Leyen noted that despite the full-scale war, Ukraine continues to implement the reforms necessary for EU membership.

"The main progress has been made in constitutional reform, judicial reform, the selection of members of the High Council of Justice, anti-corruption processes, the fight against money laundering, important measures to limit the influence of oligarchs on public life, a new media law, progress on national minorities. The remaining reforms are being carried out, and this is good", — she emphasized.

Over 90% of Recommendations Implemented

According to the head of the European Commission, Ukraine has already implemented over 90% of the recommendations made by the European Commission when granting Ukraine candidate status.

"Based on this, we recommended today for the European Council to open negotiations with Ukraine. We also recommend that the Council approve a negotiation framework once Ukraine completes current reforms", — Ursula von der Leyen stated.

What Ukraine Needs to Do

In its report , the European Commission recommends that the European Council adopt a negotiation framework but only after Ukraine fulfills the following requirements:

• ·       Pass the government's proposed law to increase the staff of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.
• ·       Remove from the law on corruption prevention the provisions that limit the powers of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption regarding the inspection of assets that have already undergone verification and the limitations on the powers of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption regarding the inspection of property acquired by declarants before entering public service, without prejudice to national security rules during times of war.
• ·       Adopt a law regulating lobbying in line with European standards as part of an anti-oligarchic action plan.
• ·       Adopt a law related to the rest of the recommendations of the Venice Commission from June 2023 and October 2023, which are related to laws on national minorities, media, and education.

Additionally, Ukraine must continue the fight against corruption through further investigations and convictions related to corruption.

The European Commission plans to prepare its next report in March 2024.

Ukraine's Reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already reacted to the decision of the European Commission. In his statement , the head of state noted that "today, the history of Ukraine and all of Europe has taken the right step".

"Our country must be in the European Union. Ukrainians deserve it, with their defense of European values and their commitment to developing state institutions even during a full-scale war. We make all the necessary decisions. Thanks to everyone who helps!", — emphasized Zelenskyy.

He also added that in December, Ukraine expects a political decision from the European Council.

Previously, Radio Svoboda , citing an internal European Commission document, reported that Ukraine had fulfilled four out of seven steps for negotiations on EU accession.