Kos: EU steps up work to accelerate Ukraine’s path to membership

Many European Union member states support Ukraine’s ambition to join the bloc as early as 2027, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on January 29 , stressing that significant reforms will be required before accession can become a reality.

Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Kos said she shared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s goal of EU membership in 2027, noting that the aspiration was also backed by a number of member states, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media. 

However, she underlined that Ukraine must first carry out key reforms and establish solid institutional foundations to ensure democratic and economic development.

According to Kos, the European Commission is working closely with member states and its teams in Brussels to accelerate Ukraine’s European integration as much as possible.

Kos is also expected to brief EU foreign ministers about the progress of the European Commission’s “Prosperity Plan” for Ukraine at the meeting, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said, speaking before the event.

“Yes, the European Commission is working on the Prosperity Plan, and Commissioner Kos will inform Ministers about this today. Of course, Ukraine's prosperity is very much interlinked with Europe, because they are geographically in Europe. Clearly, we have a role there,” Kallas said.

The plan, in which the European Commission is actively participating, aims to support Ukraine’s economic recovery and development amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

By Sabina Mammadli