Ivanna Voloshyn Speaks at Public Forum on EU Candidacy Progress
Ivanna Voloshyn, Director of the Strategic Planning and European Integration Directorate at Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, participated in a public discussion evaluating Ukraine’s progress as a candidate for European Union membership. The event focused on the findings and recommendations from the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Package report. The Commission acknowledged Ukraine’s notable advancements in tackling organized crime.
Threat Assessment and Next Steps
During the discussion, Voloshyn highlighted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has developed a threat assessment addressing serious and organized crime using the SOCTA methodology. Additionally, the ministry has crafted a personnel strategy and a framework to measure public trust in law enforcement agencies. The next goal is to meet intermediate benchmarks by February 2027. To achieve this, ongoing efforts include legislative reforms affecting law enforcement and criminal intelligence operations, alongside the development of key strategic documents.
"Passing a law or program is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in how effectively our institutions implement them. Every day, we must improve—for ourselves and for citizens who rely on security in their country." Ivanna Voloshyn
Ukraine’s ongoing integration into the EU framework and efforts to enhance law enforcement performance are essential for advancing its membership aspirations. Given the positive assessment from the European Commission, Ukraine must continue strengthening its institutions and ensuring that new legislative measures are effectively enforced to meet EU standards and fulfill the expectations of its people.
As Ukraine continues its path toward EU integration, understanding the recent evaluation by the European Commission becomes crucial. This assessment, expected in early 2027, will provide insights into the progress made and the challenges ahead, further shaping Ukraine's efforts to align with EU standards and enhance the effectiveness of its law enforcement agencies.