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Europe

European Commission: Ukraine lags behind Moldova in EU accession process

05 November 2026 04:37 (UTC +04:00)

Ukraine is lagging behind Moldova in the process of joining the European Union, APA reports, citing the Financial Times.

According to the European Commission's annual enlargement report, one of the main reasons for Ukraine's slower progress in the accession process is the insufficient pace of reforms in combating corruption and ensuring the rule of law.

Both countries applied for EU membership in 2022 following Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

According to the European Commission's assessment, Moldova could complete its accession negotiations by early 2028. Ukraine, however, may need an additional year and an acceleration of reforms to complete the process.

While the Commission positively assessed the reforms implemented by Ukraine amid Russia's military invasion, it emphasized that Kyiv must demonstrate significant progress in combating corruption.

The report also addressed Montenegro's prospects for EU membership.

It stated that an accession treaty with Montenegro could be signed in mid-2027. If the treaty is ratified by EU member states and the European Parliament, Montenegro will become the first new member to join the bloc since Croatia in 2013.