As reported on the European Commission’s site European Commission
Ukraine officially completed the preliminary screening of its legislation for compliance with EU norms as part of preparations for negotiations on joining the European Union. According to the European Commission as of September 30, 2025, the results show significant progress in harmonizing legislative norms and identifying areas that still require refinement.
Ukraine was granted candidate status for accession to the EU on June 23, 2022, during the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels. In July 2024, a detailed mapping of national legislation against EU law began, covering key sectors and 35 negotiating chapters.
“In the most challenging circumstances, Ukraine completed the process of reviewing all its legislation at a record pace, laying the groundwork for its European future.”
The EU Commissioner for Enlargement during a recent visit outlined the main directions: to introduce an action plan to protect the rights of national minorities and to reaffirm the course toward accession as a key opportunity to address these issues. The visit began in Uzhhorod on September 29, continued in Lviv on September 30, and a visit to Kyiv is planned for October 1.
The essence of the screening and the steps ahead
Screening is a preliminary stage of negotiations that compares national legislation with EU norms in order to identify conformity and needs for adaptation. Based on the 35 negotiating chapters, the European Commission will prepare conclusions, after which the EU Council will make a political decision on opening negotiations in specific areas.
Ukraine has already fully prepared the package for opening negotiations on three clusters: Foundations of the EU accession process, the Internal Market, and External Relations.
Exact dates for opening negotiations and their topics will depend on the Commission’s conclusions and the Council’s political decision. Nevertheless, the screening itself creates an adaptation roadmap that will bring the country closer to full compliance with European standards.
In the future, opening negotiations will act as a catalyst for a more active dialogue between Ukraine and the EU, help advance criteria related to human rights, market development, and strengthening external relations. This is an important step on the path to full integration and future EU membership.
Thus, completing the preliminary screening defines the key reform directions and lays a solid foundation for subsequent negotiation procedures between Ukraine and the EU.
Useful reading:
- The Ukrainian government submitted its 2025 report to the European Commission on progress in reforms and preparations for EU accession negotiations under Cluster 1 “Fundamentals.”
- The EU negotiations on Ukraine’s membership remain blocked by Hungary, raising security and political concerns. Other EU countries push for progress while Hungary cites minority rights and security issues.
- EU Commissioner Marta Kos highlights Ukraine’s rapid legislative screening and the need for consensus among all 27 EU members to open the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine’s EU integration.
