By Martin Banks

The European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package which, it says, paves the way towards possible EU membership for several countries. 

These include Ukraine which, despite what the EU calls “Russia’s unrelenting war of aggression”, remains strongly committed to its EU accession path.

Ukraine, says the EU, has successfully completed the screening process and advanced on key reforms.

Ukraine has adopted roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration, and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as an action plan on national minorities, which the Commission assessed positively.

The war-weary nation has met the conditions required to open clusters: one (fundamentals), six (external relations), and two (internal market).

The Commission said it expects Ukraine to meet the conditions to open the remaining three clusters and works to ensure that member states are in a position to take forward the opening of all clusters before the end of the year.

The Ukrainian government has signalled its objective to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028.

The Commission said it “is committed to support this ambitious objective but considers that, to meet it an acceleration of the pace of reforms is required, notably with regards to the fundamentals, in particular rule of law.”

The package, says the EU, is a “comprehensive assessment” of the progress made by the enlargement partners over the past twelve months.

It reaffirms that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the priority agenda of the EU and confirms that the accession of new Member States is “increasingly within reach.”

Staying consistent and following a merit-based approach is key to successful EU accession, says the EU.

It says Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Türkiye and Georgia continue their respective paths towards the EU.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: “We are more committed than ever to turning EU enlargement into a reality. 

“Because a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage. But enlargement is a merit-based process. Our package provides specific recommendations to all our partners. And to all of them we say: EU accession is a unique offer. 

“A promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and a strong political will, our partners can seize this opportunity.”

The Commission said it “remains fully committed” to supporting future Member States in this journey.”

“With enlargement as a clear policy goal in this mandate, the Commission is committed to ensuring both the readiness of aspiring members as well as the EU’s preparedness to welcome them,” said a spokesman.

It is now for the Council to consider recommendations of the Commission and take decisions on the steps ahead in the enlargement process.