Ukraine: MEPs encourage EU reforms and urge opening of negotiation clusters
Members of the European Parliament are encouraging the Ukrainian government to maintain its pace on implementing EU-related reforms while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace.
A report by the Foreign Affairs Committee, which reviews Ukraine’s EU accession preparations against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, was adopted today, 15 July, by 55 votes in favour, 12 against with 3 abstentions. MEPs confirm their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity while calling on the EU and its member states to actively work towards maintaining the broadest international support for Kyiv, and identifying a peaceful solution to the war based on international law and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
MEPs commend the country’s extraordinary efforts in strengthening its democratic institutions at an extremely difficult time and encourage Kyiv to maintain this reform momentum. They welcome progress in judicial reforms while noting the judiciary in Ukraine remains one of the sectors more vulnerable to corruption and political interference. MEPs highlight the importance of transparent and merit-based selection processes for judicial and anti-corruption bodies, based on the recommendations of independent national and international experts. They also call on Ukraine to intensify rule of law and public administration reforms as well as anti-corruption measures, “as progress in these areas is critical not only for EU membership but also for successful reconstruction and economic trust”.
The Foreign Affairs Committee recommends the European Commission open negotiating clusters to advance the country’s EU membership bid at the fastest pace possible, subject to its continued implementation of the EU’s rulebook and the completion of reforms it has already launched.
“We admire and firmly support Ukraine and we wish to stabilise and accelerate its European journey. Renewed efforts for judicial and anti-corruption reforms, for strengthening local and regional authorities, the Ukrainian parliament and its members as well as civil society are required from the Ukrainian actors and will be important steps on that way,” said rapporteur Michael Gahler after the vote.
This report is the first enlargement report on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine, and the start of accession negotiations. Enlargement reports are Parliament’s response to the Commission’s annual reports on the candidate and potential candidate countries in the EU accession process.
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