Ukraintegrity / Updates on Fundamental Reforms #5
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Dear Ukraintegrity readers,
We believe that all our readers will agree that the highlight of the past weeks has been the official opening of EU–Ukraine accession negotiations under Cluster 1: Fundamentals. This undeniably historic milestone marks the beginning of a new phase in Ukraine’s reform journey.
This is the stage where progress is measured not by ambitious political declarations, but by consistent delivery and tangible results. The reforms covered by the Fundamentals cluster are no longer a voluntary commitment—they are an obligation undertaken by Ukraine as part of the accession process. From now on, Ukraine’s path toward EU membership will depend directly on its ability to implement and sustain reforms.
The good news is that Ukraine does not walk this path alone. Across Europe, the country has friends, partners, and allies who are genuinely committed to supporting its transformation. The roadmap is clear, the benchmarks are known, and expectations are high.
The cards are on the table. Time to get to work.
Sincerely,
Inna Nelles on behalf of the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) Team
HIGHLIGHTS
⚡️The EU–Ukraine accession negotiations have officially opened with Cluster 1: Fundamentals, the most important cluster, which will guide and shape the entire negotiation process. Ukraine has also formally accepted the benchmarks set by the European Union for further progress in the accession talks. Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka expressed confidence that all six negotiation clusters could be opened by the end of July.
🔗 What does the opening of the first cluster mean? Read the analysis by European Pravda
🔗 What the official launch of negotiations means for anti-corruption reforms - in the commentary by Andrii Borovyk of Tl Ukraine
🔗 Analysis by experts from DEJURE and AntAC on the challenges facing judicial reform
⚡️ Alternative visions for Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2026–2030 have been registered in the Ukrainian Parliament. Under the Ukraine Facility Plan, the Strategy is expected to be adopted by the end of June. The Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Committee is currently reviewing three draft laws that would shape Ukraine’s anti-corruption policy for the coming years. Draft Law No. 15230, initiated by Anti-Corruption Committee Chair Anastasiia Radina, was developed by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) following consultations with experts. An alternative government-backed draft (No. 15230-1), introduced at the initiative of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, does not fully address the EU’s requirements for Ukraine or the priorities outlined in the Kachka–Kos communiqué. A second alternative draft (No. 15230-2), submitted by MP Petro Poroshenko, is largely aligned with the NACP proposal but includes, among other changes, stronger provisions for rebooting the State Bureau of Investigation.
🔗 NACP’s vision for the Anti-Corruption Strategy
🔗 Statement by Anti-Corruption Committee Chair Anastasiia Radina on the government draft law
⚡️ Sustaining Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Future: The Paths that lie ahead. A new study by the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre argues that Ukraine’s long-term success in fighting corruption will depend not only on strong institutions and external pressure, but also on broad domestic ownership of reforms. While Ukraine has built one of the most advanced anti-corruption infrastructures in the region, the authors warn that sustaining progress requires an open and collaborative policy environment that brings together state institutions, civil society, and international partners. As Ukraine advances toward EU membership and prepares for large-scale reconstruction, ensuring the resilience and legitimacy of anti-corruption reforms will be more important than ever.
Inside COSAC
DUB Brings Ukraine’s Reform Agenda to the European Parliament. On May 5, at a discussion hosted by Swedish MEP Karin Karlsbro at the European Parliament, DUB co-founder Inna Nelles reflected on Ukraine’s reform trajectory and EU accession prospects. With progress on the key priorities of the Kachka–Kos Plan still limited, the coming months will be crucial for demonstrating Ukraine’s commitment to advancing reforms and maintaining momentum on its EU path.
International Partners Discuss BES Reform. On May 19, MEZHA brought together representatives of around 30 embassies and international organizations to discuss the reform of Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security (BES). Participants stressed that a strong and independent BES is crucial for combating economic crime, improving the business climate, and advancing Ukraine’s EU integration agenda.
Comments