Maternova: Ukraine’s EU Accession is a Realistic Prospect, Kyiv Among Four Leaders with a Roadmap

At the event "Beyond the Headlines. Assessing Ukraine’s Progress as an EU Candidate Country," the Head of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, stated that the country's accession to the Union is a perfectly realistic prospect. According to her, Kyiv is among the four leaders that already possess a "roadmap" and are demonstrating progress in reforms despite the ongoing conflict.

Four Countries with a Roadmap

Mathernová emphasized that only a few countries have achieved two key prerequisites for EU accession. "They have both a 'roadmap' — as a tool, and a clear message that the real prospect of joining the EU currently belongs only to these four countries," noted the diplomat. She added that, despite the escalation of the conflict and constant drone attacks day and night, Ukraine is not lagging behind the leaders, and this, in her view, is an important recognition.

Two Assessment Matrices

According to Mathernová, every country is evaluated using two matrices that focus on different aspects. One of them, as she explained, is "tuned to what you have done for me lately" — especially in the era of social media. The second takes into account the cumulative reforms that have taken place in Ukraine since the Maidan of Dignity, that is, over 12 years, during which, she stated, institutions have been built and laws have been passed.

Reform Pace and Interim Indicators

The diplomat admitted that reforms in Ukraine have slowed down: elections lasted for several months, while an acceleration has been observed since the summer. "It is precisely this accelerated pace, or even a greater one, that is needed to actually reach interim indicators by next summer," Mathernová said. She also noted the presence of "clear criticism regarding what has not been done, what is dragging on, and what needs to be done."

Brussels' View: Fighting Corruption

Earlier, the European Commission reported that Ukraine is lagging behind Moldova on the path to EU membership due to insufficient progress in fighting corruption. At the same time, the Commission praised Ukraine's efforts under difficult circumstances due to Russian aggression but emphasized the need to demonstrate significant progress in the anti-corruption sphere. Separately, Mathernová previously stated that the independence of the National Bank is a key element of Ukraine's sovereignty and is important for financial stability.