Ukraine may join EU by 2030, provided reforms keep up pace — EU Ambassador

“I think 2030 is a realistic deadline if there is a lot of hard work done,” said Mathernova.

“You have to maintain the pace of reforms, and that’s not easy; nevertheless, it's doable.”

Furthermore, she stated that for Ukraine to join the EU, not only does the country need to carry out necessary reforms, but institutional and political changes within the European Union itself are also needed.

“The EU must be ready to expand beyond its current 27 member states,” the official adds.

“Changes in the voting system and decision-making processes are vital because the number of EU members cannot expand indefinitely without them.”

Mathernova hopes that the decision to start negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the EU will be made as soon as December.

Bloomberg reported on Sept. 27 that the European Commission is expected to recommend starting substantive negotiations about Ukraine's EU membership.

David Arakhamia, the chairman of Ukraine’s ruling Servant of the People party, said on Sept. 21 that the Ukrainian parliament has passed “99.9% of all bills” required by the European Union to start negotiations for Ukraine's entry into the bloc.