On July 26, the European Union published an annual report on Ukraine’s implementation of the Association Agreement, in which it positively assessed the steps taken by Kyiv on the way to European integration.
Source: EU High Representative Josep Borrell
“Despite the challenges, including those coming from Russia, Ukraine has taken important steps in implementing the Association Agreement. The reforms were undertaken to date in this framework allow Ukraine to embark with confidence on the new phase of its relations with the EU following the decision of the European Council on Ukraine’s candidate country status. Russia’s illegitimate and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine will not deflect the EU in supporting Ukraine’s reform agenda.”
The report notes that Ukraine has been challenged by Russia’s destabilizing actions, the war in the east and the coronavirus pandemic, but despite this continues to prioritize association and further integration with the EUю
The EU has highlighted some positive aspects of Ukraine’s implementation of the agreement.
In the field of justice, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, key laws were adopted aimed at reforming the High Council of Justice (HCJ) and restoring the High Qualifications Commission of Judges (HQCJ).
Among the significant outstanding challenges is the urgent reform of the Constitutional Court and the completion of the selection of a new head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SACPO).
The European Union will continue to support Ukraine in its comprehensive reform program.
