Ukraine: prioritise EU reforms and open negotiation clusters say MEPs

MEPs reassert unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity

European Commission should open negotiation clusters to advance the country’s EU membership bid at the fastest pace possible

The EU and its member states must remain Ukraine’s strategic allies

Parliament encourages the Ukrainian government to keep up the pace on implementing EU-related reforms, and reaffirms the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace.

The 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 on Tuesday by 418 votes in favour, 135 against, and with 41 abstentions.

MEPs confirm their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and stress that any peaceful solution must respect the will of the Ukrainian people and not be imposed by any other international actor.

MEPs want Ukraine to step up rule-of-law, judicial and anti-corruption reforms

Commending Ukraine on its extraordinary efforts in strengthening its democratic institutions, MEPs encourage Kyiv to maintain this reform momentum. They highlight the importance of transparent and merit-based selection processes for judicial and anti-corruption bodies and call on Ukraine to intensify its 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”.

Parliament urges the European Commission to open negotiation clusters to advance Ukraine’s EU membership bid at the fastest pace possible, subject to its continued implementation of the EU’s rulebook and completion of reforms already launched.

The EU must remain Ukraine’s strategic ally

The report also expresses deep concern over the shift in the United States’ stance on Russia’s war of aggression under President Donald Trump. In light of these developments, MEPs stress that the EU and its member states must remain Ukraine’s strategic allies and should reinforce their leadership role in supporting Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty, peace and justice. They take note of the recent meeting between President Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska and stress that it contrasts blatantly with Russia’s massive escalation of attacks against Ukraine, which prove yet again that Russia is not at all interested in peace, but rather in subjugating Ukraine. They also call on President Trump to act on his announcement that the United States would adopt further resolute economic sanctions against Russia and those countries that are fuelling its war machine. In addition, MEPs reaffirm their steadfast commitment to ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine and state that all necessary steps must be taken to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces and defence industry.

The full assessment report with all its recommendations will be available shortly here (9.11.2025).

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“With solid reforms, Ukraine can reach the goal of joining the European Union where it belongs. Strengthening democratic institutions is and will remain essential, as is pushing ahead with judicial and anti-corruption reforms, reinforcing local and regional authorities and maintaining parliamentary pluralism. We also admire the role Ukrainian civil society is playing in the reform process. As Parliament, we want to send a clear signal that Ukraine belongs in the European family and that we will do everything so that it takes its rightful place as soon as possible”, said rapporteur Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany) after the vote.

Background

This report is the first enlargement report on Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion, Ukraine was granted EU candidate status, and accession negotiations started. Enlargement reports are Parliament’s response to the Commission’s annual reports on the candidate and potential candidate countries in the EU accession process. The resolutions adopted in plenary represent the European Parliament's official position as regards EU relations with these countries.