Discussion on Importance of Next Steps in Ukraine’s EU Accession

On September 24, the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) and the Center for Liberal Modernity (LibMod) hosted an expert discussion in Berlin on Ukraine’s progress toward EU accession, with a special focus on the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms. The discussions focused on the importance of the EU accession process as a framework for positive change and reformers from within the government, parliament and civil society.

The event brought together Ukrainian MP Anastasia Radina, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada’s Anti-Corruption Committee, alongside leading civil society representatives Tetiana Shevchuk (AntAC) and Martyna Boguslavets (Mezha). Civil society presented the latest Shadow Report on Rule of Law, Justice, and Fundamental Rights, underscoring both progress achieved and the challenges that remain in ensuring sustainable reforms (will be available publicly in October 2025).

Ms Radina offered insights from within the Ukrainian parliament on how anti-corruption efforts can be strengthened, while Mattia Nelles, CEO of DUB, provided an update on the broader reform landscape in Ukraine.

The event brought together more than 20 Berlin-based experts and was accompanied by a lively and engaging discussion. Participants agreed that Ukraine has made remarkable steps forward despite wartime conditions, but stressed that ongoing vigilance, effective implementation, and continued international support are crucial to ensuring that reforms take root and deliver lasting change.

We are grateful for the cooperation and hospitality of the Center for Liberal Modernity (LibMod) team. Photos by Tobias Kunz.

This Expert meeting is part of the project “Continuing Successful Anti-Corruption (COSAC) Reform Initiative”, funded by the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and implemented by the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) in cooperation with the Ukrainian NGO Center for Democratic Transformation “Mezha” in the EU and Ukraine.