EU Parliament says Ukraine ready for next step toward EU, but there's catch
Photo: The European Parliament called for the opening of negotiating clusters (Getty Images)
The European Parliament called on the European Commission to open negotiation clusters with Ukraine as soon as possible to accelerate its path to EU membership. However, it stressed the need to complete reforms and implement European standards, according to the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The report on Ukraine's preparation for EU accession was adopted on July 15.
It was supported by 55 MEPs. 12 voted against, and 3 abstained.
The report says that the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee recommends that the European Commission open negotiation clusters to advance the country's application for EU membership as soon as possible, subject to further implementation of EU rules and completion of reforms already underway.
MEPs welcomed Ukraine's progress and called on the Ukrainian government to maintain the pace of reforms.
MEPs note positive developments in judicial reform but stress that Ukraine's judicial system remains one of the most vulnerable to corruption and political pressure.
In this context, they called for the transparent selection of personnel for judicial and anti-corruption bodies in line with the recommendations of independent experts.
They also called on Ukraine to intensify reforms of the rule of law and public administration, as well as anti-corruption measures, as progress in these areas is critical not only for EU membership but also for successful recovery and economic confidence.
The committee members also called on EU countries to continue to support Ukraine both in countering Russian aggression and in the search for peace, which should be based on international law, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
This is the first such report by the European Parliament on Ukraine's European integration since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukraine's accession to EU
Ukraine applied for membership in the European Union on February 28, 2022. On June 23, 2022, Ukraine received the status of a candidate for EU membership. The accession negotiations are currently underway, following Ukraine's fulfillment of the conditions set by the European Commission.
Brussels had previously set a goal of significantly expanding the EU by 2030. Thus, by 2030, the bloc plans to grow to 36 states (today there are 27 in the union).
In February 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine could become a member of the European Union before 2030 if it continues with reforms.
And recently, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that the goal of Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2023 remains valid.
