European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has acknowledged Ukraine’s anticorruption efforts while emphasizing that significant challenges remain, as Kyiv continues its push for EU membership amid political hurdles. During the presentation of the European Commission’s enlargement reports, Kos praised Ukraine for establishing robust anticorruption infrastructure but warned of „backsliding” and „limited progress” in implementation. The EU specifically raised concerns about growing pressure on anticorruption agencies and civil society from state authorities, casting doubt on Ukraine’s commitment to reform. These criticisms follow recent controversies where President Zelenskyy’s party attempted to undermine key anticorruption bodies, though parliamentary independence was later restored following domestic protests and international pressure.
Despite these corruption concerns, both Ukraine and the European Commission are pushing forward with accession negotiations. Commissioner Kos has recommended formal approval for Ukraine and Moldova to advance to the next stage of membership talks, with Zelenskyy asserting that Ukraine has implemented „the widest, the broadest anticorruption infrastructure in Europe.” Ukraine aims to conclude accession negotiations by 2028, though this timeline faces significant obstacles. The most immediate challenge comes from Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has systematically blocked Ukraine’s EU integration efforts, citing concerns about crime, cheap labor, and agricultural competition threatening Hungarian sovereignty.
The geopolitical dimension of Ukraine’s EU bid has become increasingly complex, with Orbán’s government making opposition to Ukrainian membership a central political platform ahead of Hungary’s 2026 elections. Orbán has accused Brussels and Ukraine of attempting to install a „puppet government” in Hungary to change its Ukraine policy. This stance represents a reversal from his initial support following Russia’s full-scale invasion and highlights how national veto power within the EU can stall enlargement processes. As Zelenskyy appeals for Hungary to „at least not block us” in Ukraine’s survival struggle, the situation underscores broader tensions between EU consensus requirements and strategic expansion goals in a changing European security landscape.
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