EU Commissioner Kos harshly criticized the pace of reforms in Ukraine: what the government was warned about

The visit of EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to Kyiv was a serious signal for the Ukrainian government about the need to accelerate reforms and fight corruption. According to the words of MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Brussels is increasingly less willing to tolerate the dragging of the implementation of European integration commitments.

EU demands acceleration of reforms

According to the deputy, the visit of Marta Kos was scheduled in advance, but its format changed. The Commissioner shortened her stay in Ukraine and held a series of meetings with representatives of the government, deputies, experts, and public activists. The main message was a warning about the need for real progress in the implementation of reforms related to joining the European Union.

Zheleznyak asserts that the representative of the EU emphasized the risks for Ukraine's further European integration if the pace of reforms remains the same. According to him, signals were also heard about a possible reduction in financial support in the event of further sabotage of anti-corruption and judicial reforms.

The opening of the first cluster will be a test for Ukraine

The MP noted that on June 15, the opening of the first negotiation cluster regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union is expected. It concerns the Fundamentals direction, which encompasses the rule of law, democracy, anti-corruption efforts, and the functioning of public institutions.

According to Zheleznyak, after the opening of the cluster, further progress will primarily depend on Ukraine's fulfillment of specific commitments. He also reported that the team of deputies plans to intensify work on the draft laws necessary to meet the EU requirements, particularly in the area of anti-corruption policy and reforming law enforcement agencies.

In the parliamentarian's opinion, it is the real changes in the areas of the rule of law and anti-corruption that will determine the speed of Ukraine's advancement towards EU membership.

Earlier, Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated about the lack of transparency surrounding unofficial contacts between the Ukrainian authorities and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.