Ukraine could officially join the European Union by 2029 if it fulfills key reforms, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi announced on October 29.
The EU has launched initiatives like the "Growth Plan" and "Ukraine Plan" to support Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans in accelerating necessary changes.
Varhelyi explained that these initiatives were created to streamline the process, emphasizing that Ukraine could meet EU standards within the next mandate of the European Commission if reforms continue on track.
In March, Ukraine submitted a detailed plan for reconstruction and modernization, outlining how it intends to meet EU accession standards.
Since applying for membership in February 2022, Ukraine has achieved candidate status and opened formal negotiations with the EU.
In December 2023, EU leaders approved the start of accession talks.
Reform Progress Recognized
The European Commission recently commended Ukraine’s advancements in the rule of law, judicial reforms, and anti-corruption measures.
However, it stresses that additional work is needed.
Varhelyi stated that with continued reforms, the integration of Ukraine into the EU could be achieved by the end of the commission’s next mandate.
For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed optimism about EU membership in June, the 2029 timeline offers a new benchmark.
The first official intergovernmental conference on Ukraine’s EU accession took place in Luxembourg in June, formally launching the accession negotiations.
