Ukraine’s war-time reforms show significant progress, says EU Ambassador

"The progress of reforms in Ukraine, even amid the war, is impressive as it advances towards EU integration," EU Ambassador Katarina Mathernova said.

She highlighted key events from the past year, including the historic December 14 decision to start EU membership talks and the June launch of negotiations.

Mathernova also noted that Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanyshyn is currently in Brussels for a screening comparing Ukrainian legislative practices with EU standards.

"The trend in EU-Ukraine relations is positive," the ambassador added.

Ukraine's accession to the EU

On Nov. 8, 2023, the European Commission recommended starting EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova.

The European Council supported Ukraine's membership negotiations on Dec. 14 by a vote of 26.

European Council President Charles Michel indicated that Ukraine could join the EU by 2030.

On April 30, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks might begin as early as June.

However, on June 7, EU ambassadors delayed the decision due to objections from Hungary.

The negotiation framework for Ukraine and Moldova was agreed upon on June 14.

On Aug. 21, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada ratified the Rome Statute, a key condition of the EU Association Agreement.