Which reforms in Ukraine will be key for the EU

The brutality of this attempt, along with the reaction of Ukrainians, primarily the youth, who took to the streets in mass protests, led to the lifting of the informal moratorium on criticism of the Ukrainian government by European partners.

The EU has finally begun to articulate what it had previously only hinted at, and not always clearly: either you truly reform, or you will inevitably face problems, both with European integration and funding.

This was followed by a wave of good news, but Brussels makes it clear: "This is not the end of the process."'

Read more in the article by Mykhailo Zhernakov and Olha Komarova of the DEJURE Foundation: How to unlock the path to the EU: key reforms Ukraine must implement.

The EU expects Ukraine to continue its reforms. EU leaders publicly emphasise that two areas are critical: the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

Whether these expectations will be met depends primarily on the political will of the President’s Office.

However, the EU’s rhetoric truly shifted last week. Now they are emphasising specifics.

European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, while welcoming Kyiv’s decision on NABU and SAPO, announced a clear list of what Ukraine is obligated to do next after restoring the independence of anti-corruption institutions:

1. Return international experts to the HQCJ Selection Commission with the right of a casting vote.
2. Finally appoint the four Constitutional Court judges selected by the Advisory Group of Experts with international participation.
3. Reject "toxic" amendments to the Criminal Code.
4. Adopt a law on administrative justice, particularly, establish the specialised administrative courts to review actions of the president, cabinet, and other government bodies.

These requirements are not new – these areas have long been priorities for the EU.

Now Kyiv has the chance to demonstrate that the path toward the EU is irreversible.

And to show that we understand the importance of these reforms for a European Ukraine. Especially since part of the priorities announced by the EC spokesperson are already prepared for implementation.

Solving these issues requires no time or special effort – only political will from the president and parliament.

Does this mean that solving these issues will guarantee Ukraine a green light to the EU?

Not yet, but these steps will clearly demonstrate that the Ukrainian government is honouring its earlier commitments. And they will confirm that the government understands the EU’s core value: the rule of law.

It is precisely these steps, implemented sincerely and fully, that will give the president grounds to demand a reciprocal move from the EU: the actual opening of accession talks.

Still, it must be understood that Ukraine has many more reforms to undertake on the road to membership. Reforming the rule of law system goes far beyond the four points listed by the EC spokesperson.

Opening accession talks should serve as a stimulus for continued reforms. The next step must be the renewal of the Supreme Court. This is a key element of Ukraine’s European integration and the foundation of the rule of law.