Ukraine today reached an important milestone on its path to EU accession by completing bilateral screening with the European Commission.
“Bilateral screening began in July 2024 and its rapid completion was made possible by Ukraine’s dedication, professionalism and motivation to undertake reforms, align legislation with EU standards and join the EU family. Achieving this goal in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is an impressive testament to the country’s resilience and determination,” the statement released by the European Commission said.
During the bilateral screening, each policy area (also known as negotiating sections) and Ukraine’s compliance in each area was thoroughly analysed, with Kiev setting out clear plans to bring itself into compliance.
The European Commission presents the results of the screening to Member States in screening reports, in which it can recommend that they start negotiations in the relevant policy areas, once Member States agree, negotiating sections, which are part of broader thematic clusters, can be opened.
Ukraine is expected to continue its reform efforts, harmonise legislation with EU law and strengthen its institutional and administrative capacity, guided by the criteria set by member states, the European Commission added.
The day before, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said during her visit to Transcarpathia that the process of screening Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU law had been completed and the European Commission hopes to open negotiations on the first cluster in the near future.
Prime Minister Yuliya Sviridenko said in August that Ukraine, together with the European Union, would conduct an official analysis of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law by the end of the year and would be ready to open accession negotiations on all six clusters.
The EU has 35 negotiating chapters, which are grouped into six clusters that must be “closed” in order to become a member of the bloc. The six clusters are fundamentals (fundamental areas), internal market, competitiveness and inclusive growth, green agenda and sustainable connectivity, resources, agriculture and cohesion, and international relations.
When a country unifies its legislation on all these parameters, and this is recognised by all 27 EU members, then the country is given the go-ahead to join the EU after a process of ratification by all member states.