Ukraine successfully completes its screening process
Today, Ukraine completed the bilateral screening with the European Commission – “the fastest screening process in the history of the Enlargement”, according to Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement. The bilateral screening began in July 2024.
The screening process is a key part of EU accession negotiations, and its successful conclusion brings Ukraine one step closer to EU accession.
“The rapid completion was made possible by Ukraine’s dedication, professionalism and motivation to deliver on reforms, align with EU standards, and join the EU family,” says a press release by the European Commission. “Achieving this in the midst of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a remarkable demonstration of the country’s resilience and determination.”
During the bilateral screening, the Commission and Ukraine carried out a thorough examination of each policy field (also known as negotiation chapters) and Ukraine’s compliance with the EU acquis in each area, and Ukraine set out clear plans to align with the rules. This process enables the Commission to determine how well-prepared Ukraine is for membership and forms an important technical basis for further progress in the negotiations.
“The screening process shows that accession negotiations are a whole-of-society exercise. It involves the entire public administration, with topics ranging from food safety standards, clean water or support to farmers being discussed,” says the press release.
The Commission presents the results of the screening to Member States in screening reports, in which it can recommend that they open negotiations in the relevant policy fields.
Once Member States agree, the negotiation chapters, which are part of broader thematic clusters, can be opened. Ukraine is expected to continue its reform efforts, align with EU legislation and strengthen its institutional and administrative capacity, guided by the benchmarks to be set by the Member States.
Cluster 1 on the fundamentals – such as the rule of law, fundamental rights and functioning democratic institutions – is always the first to be opened and the last to be closed.
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