Ukraine and the EU have identified 10 reform points for further accession to the European Union

Ukraine and the European Union have agreed on a list of ten priority steps to be implemented in 2026 as part of the country’s preparations for EU accession. The agreements were announced in a joint statement by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.

It is noted that among the priorities are – updating the Criminal Procedure Code and related norms, improving anti-corruption mechanisms, reforming the State Bureau of Investigation and introducing a revised procedure for selecting the Prosecutor General. By mid-2026, Ukraine must also implement an anti-corruption strategy.

“Following the results of the informal meeting of European ministers held in Lviv, we reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing Ukraine’s accession to the EU, accelerating key reforms, and emphasize the EU’s strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine”, – the joint statement says.

Key priorities and points of the reform plan for 2026:

1. Criminal justice. Adopt amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to ensure prompt and high-quality justice.
2. NABU. Ensure effective access of NABU to quality forensic expertise.
3. Prosecutor General. Review the procedure for the selection and dismissal of the Prosecutor General in line with European practices (with the involvement of the Venice Commission).
4. Prosecutors. Adopt a law for a transparent and merit-based process for the selection of prosecutors for management positions.
5. SBI reform. Conduct an independent review of the institutional structure of the SBI to assess the need for further reforms.
6. Judges. Appoint without delay judges of the Constitutional Court and members of the High Council of Justice (HCJ) who have passed an international review.
7. HCJ. Expand the involvement of international experts in the competition commission for the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HCJ).
8. Declarations and decisions. Adopt a draft law on declarations of integrity for judges and legislation to improve the execution of court decisions (including digitalization).
9. Anti-corruption program. Adopt the Anti-corruption Strategy and the State Anti-corruption Program by Q2 2026 and ensure their high level of implementation.
10. Internal control. Develop and strengthen internal control systems against corruption at a high level.