EU says Ukraine needs faster reforms to meet its 2028 accession goal
The European Commission has issued accession roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro, tying progress to reforms. It says Ukraine could conclude negotiations by the end of 2028 if reforms accelerate, while Moldova could do so by early 2028; Montenegro is closest, with 21 chapters provisionally closed.
Bottom line — Ukraine’s end-2028 target depends on faster progress in rule of law, democratic institutions and minority rights.
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The Commission says Ukraine has opened four negotiating clusters and meets the conditions to open the remaining ones.
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Commissioner Marta Kos says Ukraine should prioritise rule-of-law benchmarks, public administration reform and its action plan on national minorities.
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The Commission says Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions continue to operate overall independently and effectively.
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Moldova has made good progress in 28 of 33 negotiating chapters, according to a senior European official cited by Agence Europe.
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The Commission says Montenegro could provisionally close its remaining chapters by the end of 2026; Albania’s roadmap aims to close negotiations in 2027.
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The Commission plans to begin dialogues on candidates’ gradual integration into EU sectors including energy, transport, digital and defence within six months.