Progress and Challenges in Ukraine's Priority Reforms
On December 10, 2025, Ukrainian authorities and the European Commission reached a consensus on ten critical reforms focused on the rule of law. Despite this agreement, known as the Kachka–Kos plan and highlighted in the European Commission's 2026 enlargement report, the majority of these reforms remain unfulfilled. While Ukraine has made some strides in combating corruption, other areas of reform have seen slow advancement.
A notable achievement in Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts is the work of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), and the High Anti-Corruption Court. These institutions have increased investigations, indictments, and convictions related to high-level corruption cases. However, Brussels continues to express concern about pressure exerted on these bodies by state institutions, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services. Meanwhile, reforms within law enforcement agencies are progressing at a sluggish pace, with several planned changes delayed.
Judicial Reform: Limited Progress and Ongoing Obstacles
The judicial reform process has shown only modest progress. Key challenges include delays in appointing judges and vetting their integrity. The European Commission urges the elimination of non-competitive appointments and transfers of prosecutors and recommends revising the procedures for appointing and dismissing the Prosecutor General. Meeting these conditions is essential for achieving interim benchmarks and advancing Ukraine’s EU membership prospects.
Currently, Moldova is on track to complete its EU accession negotiations by early 2028, provided reforms continue steadily. Ukraine aims to conclude its negotiation process by the end of 2028, but the European Commission views this timeline as ambitious and calls for an acceleration of essential reforms. The EU has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine in implementing the necessary changes.
In its annual enlargement report, the European Commission highlighted the importance of aligning national sanction mechanisms with the European Convention on Human Rights. The report also pointed out ongoing issues with enforcement of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings, protection of property rights, and guaranteeing fair trial standards.
The imperative to push forward reforms in Ukraine grows stronger as the country seeks deeper integration into the European Union. Progress in rule of law and anti-corruption measures remains vital for advancing membership negotiations.
Amid global challenges and internal hurdles, Ukraine must focus on fulfilling its commitments to avoid falling behind neighboring countries pursuing European integration.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its reform agenda, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of these efforts on its European integration path. Recent developments indicate that the EU's assessment of Ukraine's reform progress plays a significant role in unlocking further negotiation clusters, which could accelerate the country's accession process. Understanding these dynamics will provide valuable insights into Ukraine's ongoing challenges and achievements in its quest for EU membership.