Sergii Koretskyi: European Commission confirms Ukraine has met the conditions for opening all remaining clusters

Today, the European Commission published its Annual Report on Ukraine as part of the EU Enlargement Package. It is another practical and positive step on Ukraine's path to EU membership. Ukraine has made progress despite the war. There is certainly work to do, but the direction is very clear, Prime Minister of Ukraine Sergii Koretskyi said.

"The EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has today personally handed me the Commission's report. The Commission confirmed that Ukraine has met the conditions for opening all remaining clusters," the Head of Government said.

Sergii Koretskyi noted that readiness for accession has improved in 9 chapters, more than twice as many as last year. There is no deterioration in any chapter, and no backsliding on reforms.

Good or very good progress was noted in 10 chapters, including energy, the digital sector, financial services, taxation, education, science, agriculture and customs.

"For the first time, foreign, security and defense policy received the highest progress rating. Europe sees and recognizes Ukraine's contribution to shared security," the Prime Minister stressed. "The Commission also highlighted that Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions work independently and effectively."

Sergii Koretskyi noted that assessments have also improved in the areas of the judiciary and justice. These are the areas on which the move to the next stage of negotiations depends.

The next goal is to receive the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) in early 2027. To achieve it, a joint Ukraine-EU working group has been set up on the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"We are setting ambitious but achievable targets. In some areas, we need to work faster. We will act on the Commission's recommendations," the Head of Government assured. "Once again, we delivered this result together. Only through the joint efforts of the Verkhovna Rada and the Government can we advance toward EU membership and secure financial assistance for Ukraine."

Sergii Koretskyi thanked everyone who has supported Ukraine along the way.

"I thank President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I thank European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos," Sergii Koretskyi said. "I am also grateful to the Verkhovna Rada and, in particular, its Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk for his engagement in our European integration efforts. I thank Vsevolod Chentsov, the President's Office team and all government officials working to implement the reforms. I thank everyone who contributed to this interim but important result. Above all, I thank the Defense Forces, thanks to whom we continue to live, fight, develop and press ahead toward EU membership."

The Prime Minister said he will shortly take part in the Enlargement Forum in Brussels, where "we will discuss concrete next steps to speed up our path to the EU."