Ursula von der Leyen encourages kyiv to make pending reforms to pass the EU exam

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, encouraged Kiev during a speech before the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) to make amendments to the minority law and continue fighting corruption to fully comply with European recommendations.

“The objective is really achievable,” said the president of the Commission, who on Wednesday must present the report on the degree of compliance with the seven requirements set by the EU for Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia Herzegovina so that accession negotiations can begin. with these three candidate countries.

The final decision must be taken before the end of the year by the Member States based on the Commission’s report. Accession negotiations with kyiv will only begin if the states unanimously approve.

10% pending

Von der Leyen affirmed that Ukraine has carried out “more than 90%” of the reforms that were requested of it, but recalled that it still must make changes to the minority law to guarantee rights such as receiving education in their own language to ethnic minorities. and cultural of the country.

Von der Leyen also mentioned among the pending issues to continue strengthening the transparency of politicians’ asset declarations and the fight against corruption and to approve a law on lobbying activities.

“These are the measures that are necessary to fully complete the seven steps,” said the German politician in reference to the requirements set by the EU in terms of rights and freedoms, the fight against corruption and the functioning of the rule of law.

Despite the imminence of the decision on the opening of negotiations, Von der Leyen told Ukrainian deputies that it is possible to meet all the conditions to achieve a positive EU recommendation.

Ukraine is working in that direction

In his meeting with Von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky updated the president of the Commission on the work being carried out by Ukrainian institutions to comply with all recommendations on time.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian presidential office, bills are already registered in the Verkhovna Rada to improve the functioning of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, reduce the influence of oligarchs and improve the transparency of state institutions.

In his press conference with Von der Leyen, Zelensky expressed confidence in Ukraine’s chances of arriving fully prepared for the final exam and highlighted the motivating effect that a ‘yes’ from all member states would have on Ukrainian society and soldiers. who fight on the front “for EU values”.

Sanctions on Russia

In addition to reaffirming Brussels’ support for Kiev at a time when the war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East is shifting the focus of attention from the war in Ukraine, Von der Leyen committed to Zelensky to propose “very soon” to EU countries approve a new package of sanctions against Russia.

This new round of punitive measures – which would be the twelfth approved by the EU since the beginning of the war – could include sanctions against Russian propagandists and against figures involved in the mass deportation of Ukrainian minors.

Another novelty, according to Von der Leyen, could be the introduction of “new bans on imports and exports” to and from Russia and “actions to adjust the cap on the price of gas”, adopted almost a year ago to deny the Kremlin resources with which to finance the aggression against Ukraine.

Zelensky has once again asked that the new package serve to prevent the sanctions that have been approved so far from being violated. With EFE

Related