Ukraine's future EU membership is the political arm of Europe's security guarantee for Ukraine. It is the surest way to a prosperous and stable Ukraine. This will be central to make any peace settlement sustainable.
Our top priority is therefore to quickly advance reforms and continue bringing Ukraine's laws in line with EU requirements. This alignment is exactly what we have been working on together with Ukraine over the past year.
Today, Member States have given clear direction and they have stated that they want this alignment to continue as part of a structured and predictable process.
Member states have provided guidance on which reform objectives they expect Ukraine to achieve in order to move this process forward. This is what we needed. On this basis, both Ukraine and the Commission have the to-do list to advance in technical negotiations. Meaning, we know exactly what needs to be done.
This will be in the areas of rule of law and democratic institutions; the internal market; and external relations.
Reforms are at the centre of this process, and nobody can veto Ukraine from doing these reforms.
The Commission also sees this new phase in the negotiations as an opportunity to pick up speed and intensity.
This is why, together with the Ukrainian government, we have yesterday decided on an action plan of 10 reform priorities. They all focus on strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption and building the strong, accountable democratic institutions in Ukraine. The institutions Ukraine needs to needs for the future accession process.
This is on top of our list of priorities for the coming year. We will not waste any time to advance the EU alignment of Ukraine, to build the pillars of future peace and stability. Not only in Ukraine, but in all of Europe.
