Kyiv [Ukraine], November 5: Ukraine has almost completely fulfilled the requirements needed to join the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday during a visit to Kiev.
"They are already well over 90% of the way there," said told members of the Ukrainian parliament. Much greater progress had already been made than could be expected of a country at war.
"I must say you have made excellent progress. This is impressive to see," von der Leyen said after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy.
"You are fighting an existential war, and at the same time, you're deeply reforming your country. You have reached many milestones reforming your justice system, curbing the oligarchs' grip, tackling money laundering, and much more." Von der Leyen arrived in Ukraine on Saturday morning for her sixth visit since Russia launched its full-scale invasion about 20 months ago.
"This is the result of hard work and I know that you are in the process of completing the outstanding reforms," von der Leyen said.
She also said that Ukraine has made strong progress on modernizing its economy.
But the EU chief noted that an even stronger fight against corruption, new laws on lobbying activities and stricter regulations on asset declarations are measures that are indispensable.
On Wednesday, the European Commission president intends to present reports on Ukraine's reform progress. The European heads of state and government then want to make a decision on the possible start of EU accession negotiations in December, based on these reports.
Ukraine has been an official candidate country since last summer. It needs unanimous agreement from the 27 EU member states to start membership negotiations. To get a positive vote the country must have fulfilled seven requirements. These include reform of the selection procedure for Ukrainian constitutional judges and a stronger fight against corruption - particularly at a high level.
The EU is also demanding that Ukraine meet standards in the fight against money laundering and that a law against the excessive influence of oligarchs is implemented.
With regards to Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion, the EU will announce new economic sanctions on Russia, including measures against companies from non-EU countries that circumvent the sanctions, von der Leyen said.
The new measures also include additional import and export bans and a stricter oil price cap, she said.
For too long, many in Europe had thought it was possible to trade with Russia and integrate the country into the European security order, the EU chief said during a speech in the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada.
Several high-ranking EU officials reported last week that there are plans to restrict trade in Russian diamonds. Also on the table is an import ban for so-called dual use goods, materials that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Source: Qatar Tribune
