Enlargement: Parliament commends Ukraine’s progress despite the war

In its annual assessment of Ukraine’s progress on reforms related to the EU accession process, the European Parliament welcomed the opening, in June 2026, of the first chapter in the accession negotiations and expressed its hope that the subsequent chapters would be opened in the near future.

With 460 votes in favour, 136 against and 59 abstentions, Parliament is committed to a constructive debate on how to advance Ukraine’s European integration whilst also taking into account the Union’s strategic interests. MEPs stress that Member States must pay attention to developments in candidate countries, including Russia’s attempts to undermine public support for EU accession, and work to strengthen the future security of both Ukraine and the European continent.

Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law

The report commends Ukraine’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and preserve the separation of powers in times of war. MEPs welcome the progress made in reforming the judicial system and in the fight against corruption, whilst calling for continued modernisation in these key areas. They also emphasise that a solid foundation in the rule of law will ensure transparency and accountability during the reconstruction and economic recovery processes, whilst improving the investment climate and the confidence of international partners.

With regard to future elections, the text emphasises the importance of allowing sufficient time to ensure that, once martial law has been lifted, the necessary conditions and standards are in place to hold free and fair elections. MEPs reject the pressure exerted by the US administration on Ukraine to hold elections whilst the war with Russia continues.

Increasing pressure on Russia

MEPs welcome the June 2026 statement by G7 leaders on Ukraine and stress the need to support the country’s efforts on the battlefield and to increase pressure on Russia’s war economy.

They welcome the disbursement of the first tranche of €3,200 million from the loan to support Ukraine and call on the European Union to provide predictable multi-annual funding to enable the country to cover its reconstruction and defence costs without relying on annual budgetary decisions.

The importance of good neighbourly relations

Regarding the renaming of an elite military unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in honour of the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, MEPs regret that Poland’s sensitivities and pain have not been taken into account. They consider that this decision undermines neighbourly relations and urge that tensions be reduced and that efforts at reconciliation in good faith between the two countries be resumed.

Statement by the rapporteur

“Since Ukraine embarked on its European path in 2014, the country has changed profoundly for the better. Russia’s war of aggression has further accelerated this process. Much remains to be done, for example, to meet the requirements of the key chapter. The continuation of judicial reforms and the unhindered functioning of anti-corruption institutions remain key elements in advancing the accession process and meeting citizens’ expectations,” emphasised Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), who is responsible for the parliamentary processing of the text.