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The European Union will assess Ukraine and Moldova individually in their bids for EU membership, with future progress depending on each country's reform achievements rather than political timelines, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after the EU–Moldova summit on June 22.
According to von der Leyen, once accession negotiations begin, each candidate country becomes responsible for its own progress.
“Each candidate country is responsible for itself. They must implement reforms, and the reforms differ from one candidate country to another,” she said.
The European Commission president emphasized that the EU's enlargement process is based on merit and results, not on promises of joining “as soon as possible.”
“A merit-based process is much better than saying ‘as soon as possible,’ because that phrase means nothing. A merit-based process clearly reflects the methodology agreed upon by all 27 member states,” von der Leyen stated.
She added that the accession framework is designed to reward concrete reforms and measurable progress.
Ukraine officially opened its first EU accession negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals,” on June 15, 2026. The cluster covers the rule of law, judicial reform, fundamental rights, and democratic institutions.
To become a full EU member, Ukraine must complete negotiations across six clusters and align its legislation with EU standards. The opening of the remaining five clusters is expected during the second half of 2026, although progress will depend on reform implementation and unanimous support from all EU member states.
