Statement from Ukraine’s Foreign Minister
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, responded to the European Commission’s latest enlargement report by outlining the country’s upcoming steps on its path to joining the European Union. He emphasized that Ukraine has successfully opened four negotiation clusters with the EU and is prepared to initiate two more, underscoring its firm commitment to European integration.
Positive Feedback and Upcoming Objectives
The European Commission’s report highlighted strong progress in Chapter 31, which covers foreign policy, security, and defense. Sybiha pointed out that Ukraine aligns with 99% of the EU’s external policy positions and sanctions, reflecting a high degree of strategic convergence between Kyiv and Brussels.
"The Commission acknowledges our achievements despite the full-scale Russian invasion and ongoing terror against our cities and civilians. Four negotiation clusters have been opened, and Ukraine is ready to launch the remaining two,"
— Andriy Sybiha.
Sybiha further noted the report’s increased focus on security and resilience, stating, "Ukraine contributes practical experience, defense capabilities, and a clear understanding of the threats facing our continent to the EU."
Looking ahead, Ukraine’s key targets include:
- Achieving positive evaluations of interim benchmarks by early 2027;
- Preliminary closure of up to seven negotiation chapters during Lithuania’s presidency of the EU Council.
"Ukraine remains committed to fulfilling its obligations. We expect the same determination from our European partners to transform this progress into concrete decisions on our road to EU membership," Sybiha emphasized.
The European Commission’s report illustrates Ukraine’s steady advancement toward EU integration despite the challenges posed by Russian aggression. The emphasis on foreign policy and security highlights Ukraine’s role as a strategic partner for the EU. The ongoing negotiations and opening of new clusters demonstrate Ukraine’s readiness to implement reforms and align with European standards, accelerating its journey toward full EU membership.
As Ukraine continues its journey towards EU membership, the recent developments indicate a robust commitment to reform and integration. For a closer look at how Ukraine is advancing its negotiation process and aims to finalize all clusters by 2026, explore our detailed coverage on Ukraine's ambitious EU negotiation strategy.