The European Commission has published a new report on the enlargement of the European Union, assessing Ukraine’s progress in reforms from September 2024 to September 2025. The document acknowledges Kyiv’s “steady commitment” to the course of European integration but at the same time emphasizes the need to address weaknesses in the fight against corruption and in the rule of law.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described the results of the report as the best since Ukraine received candidate status in 2022.
🔹 Key achievements
The report highlights the launch of EU integration reforms, the adoption of roadmaps in the areas of justice, public administration, and democratic institutions, as well as an action plan on national minorities.
Ukraine has already met the conditions to open three negotiation clusters:
- Fundamentals — one cluster;
- External relations — six clusters;
- Internal market — two clusters.
Key areas of progress include:
- public administration reform and digitalization;
- economic stability and the adoption of a new Customs Code;
- the adoption of a climate law and a waste management plan;
- the development of education, culture, and science (through participation in the Horizon Europe program);
- agricultural sector reform and strengthened financial oversight;
- alignment of foreign policy with the EU.
⚠️ Main concerns
Despite positive dynamics, the fight against corruption remains an area of “particular concern.” The report points out:
- limited progress in anti-corruption policy;
- risks to the independence of NABU and SAP following the adoption of controversial laws in July 2025;
- growing pressure on anti-corruption institutions and civil society organizations.
It also highlights the weaknesses of the judicial system — a shortage of personnel, delays in renewing the Constitutional Court, and the politicization of the Prosecutor General’s position.
Separate concerns were raised about slow progress in human rights protection, including the lack of decisions on hate crimes, civil partnerships, and data protection reform.
🔹 Next steps
The Ukrainian government has announced its goal to complete EU accession negotiations by the end of 2028. The European Commission supports this vision but emphasizes that achieving it will require accelerating reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law.
Analysts note that the report represents a balanced signal of support: Brussels recognizes Kyiv’s real achievements but expects concrete action in the fight against corruption. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to stress that the future of Ukraine’s European integration “must be based on real reforms, not political promises.”
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