Ukraine close to EU membership? Von der Leyen: You're more than 90 percent of the way there

The head of the European Commission unexpectedly arrived in Kyiv on Saturday. For security reasons, her visit was not announced. As she wrote on the X Twitter platform, she talked with President Volodymyr Zelensky about the reform process in Ukraine and rebuilding the country as a "modern and prosperous democracy".

In her speech before members of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine meets virtually all conditions for starting negotiations on accession to the EU.

You are now well over 90 percent of the way

– said the head of the European Commission.

As she emphasized, much more progress has already been made than could be expected from a country at war. Ukraine is carrying out deep reforms. Von der Leyen pointed out that further actions are absolutely necessary, such as an even more effective fight against corruption, new laws on lobbying activities and stricter regulations on asset declarations.

Next Wednesday, the President of the European Commission will present this year's report on EU enlargement. This report will discuss the progress of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia in the context of possible membership in the European Union.

Brussels to-do list

From June 2022, Ukraine has the status of a candidate for accession to the EU. Before accession negotiations officially begin, the country must meet several conditions. The requirements from Brussels include progress in the fight against corruption and money laundering, as well as judicial reform. In December, EU heads of state and government will decide on the next course of action. A positive vote requires a unanimous decision of 27 members.

According to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, citing sources in the European Commission, Ukraine has made significant progress, but it is probably not sufficient.

The EC will probably recommend that EU countries decide to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession, but will set the start date only after meeting all the conditions for the reform.

A tribute to railway workers

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Ukraine, also honored $53 000 for Kyiv's railway workers.

– They support this important artery of life – said on Saturday von der Leyen, who - like all Western politicians since the beginning of the war - arrived in Kyiv by train.

Zelensky emphasized that the railway is "more than just a means of transport." He emphasized that it is "a guarantee that our nation, our Ukrainian economy and state will not be separated from the EU countries that support us." He added that trains are also necessary to deliver food. There are international rail connections with Poland and Romania, as well as with Moldova, a neighboring country aspiring to join the EU.