On November 4, a discussion was held at the Center for Civic Energetics "Vezha" between Center head Valeriy Klochok and political scientist and international relations expert Maksym Netsvytailov, focusing on Ukraine’s European integration in light of the latest EU Commission report.
The conversation centers around the new EU Commission report, which highlights Ukraine’s significant progress toward full EU membership. The experts note that Ukraine is moving at a reasonable pace compared to other countries, especially given the ongoing full-scale war. While most requirements are fulfilled, further reforms in anti-corruption and rule of law are necessary. The EU has allocated €1.35 billion in financial aid for commitments already met and an additional €600 million for earlier achievements, though Ukraine had expected around €2.5 billion.
The discussion acknowledges the complexity of Ukraine’s situation—war, internal political challenges, and external pressures all slow reforms and EU accession. The issue of frozen Russian assets is particularly emphasized, as unlocking these funds could greatly aid Ukraine’s recovery.
Experts agree that a final decision on EU membership is unlikely until the end of the war or at least until there is clarity about its timeline. They draw parallels to peace plans proposed for Ukraine, currently discussed internationally, stressing that meaningful progress is unlikely without involving global actors like China.
In conclusion, the experts stress that European integration and peace remain central issues for Ukraine, and that close monitoring of developments is necessary.
