European Commissioner Marta Kos began her visit to Ukraine from Uzhhorod. Suspilne Uzhhorod/Ruslana Hostyuk
According to Suspilne
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that the EU is ready to open the first negotiating cluster with Ukraine, but this requires the agreement of all 27 member states. Hungary has so far expressed opposition to Ukraine’s full membership in the EU. Kos voiced these points during an interview in which she spoke about Ukraine’s euro-integration prospects and the importance of consensus among EU partners.
According to the commissioner, Ukraine underwent a rapid screening of EU law – more than 100,000 pages were processed. She emphasized that the decision to open negotiating clusters is based on the country’s reform achievements, so the prospects for integration with the EU are not reduced to a single day – progress depends on sustained reform. Kos added that the EU coordinates actions with both member states and Hungary to achieve a common understanding.
“With no other candidate country have we completed the entire screening process as quickly as with Ukraine. This means we have processed over 100,000 pages of European legislation. The process of opening negotiating clusters is merit-based, so Ukraine will not be left behind if reforms are carried out. We are truly working hard on this, engaging in dialogue with the member states, and also with Hungary”
Context and Prospects
Hungary justifies its position with concerns about the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, which has become one of the reasons for blocking talks between the EU and Ukraine.
“The best way to resolve this issue is precisely through the euro-integration process. The sooner Hungary allows us to open Cluster 1, the sooner we can discuss all their concerns. I believe this is at the same time the best reply to Mr. Orbán”
Moreover, the EU Commissioner emphasized that fighting corruption is a key reform that Ukraine must work on. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of a stable economy and legislation that will attract foreign investment, as well as the need for strong anti-corruption institutions to attract capital from abroad.
“It is important to have a stable economy and legislation that will attract investments, notably from abroad. This is extremely important for rebuilding the country. If you do not have strong and independent anti-corruption institutions, foreign investors will not come, as they will consider their investments at risk. Without such institutions, a lot of money can be lost”
Also the EU Commissioner stressed the need to engage with civil society in the fight against corruption. According to her, the completion of the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with European norms is planned by September 30, which should open the path to further progress within Ukraine’s euro-integration steps.
Other topics you might like:
- EU Commissioner Marta Kos emphasizes Ukraine’s EU membership as the best solution for national minority rights and security during her visit and meetings in Ukraine.
- Ukraine opens first negotiation cluster for EU membership to address issues with Hungary, emphasizing reforms and dialogue for faster integration.
- The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee rejected lifting immunity from opposition leader Péter Magyar, sparking controversy with Hungary’s government and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
