The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Ukraine has made “excellent progress” on the way to joining the EU, a few days before the presentation of a key report on Kyiv’s candidacy for membership, The Guardian reports.

Standing next to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi in Kyiv, she said Ukraine had achieved many important milestones despite the war with Russia, highlighting Kyiv’s judicial reforms.

“I must say that you have made great progress. I know that you are in the process of completing the unfinished reforms. If this happens, and I am sure, Ukraine will be able to achieve its ambitious goal of moving to the next stage of the accession process,” she said during a joint press conference with the Ukrainian head of state.

The EU assessment, to be presented on Wednesday, is expected to show how far Ukraine has progressed in meeting various economic, legal and other criteria to pave the way for accession talks in December. The EU has offered 83 billion euros for Ukraine’s military actions against Russia and plans to send another 3 billion euros by the end of this year, von der Leyen said.

The Ukrainian government has taken all necessary measures to ensure its preparation, Volodymyr Zelenskyi said, promising to continue the reforms. He emphasized the fight against corruption, increasing transparency and reducing the influence of oligarchs on the economy.

“This visit is taking place at a historic moment… when we are waiting for a political decision regarding Ukraine. This decision will have a significant impact not only on Ukraine, but also on the whole of Europe. “Ukraine does not stop at the transformation of our institutions, the reforms will continue,” Zelenskyi said.

Ukraine’s bid received another boost on Thursday when German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock said she was confident the EU would support Ukraine’s request next month. [Sursa: News.ro]

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