The European Commission has prepared a new roadmap for EU membership negotiations with Ukraine that foresees limited progress in 2027 and sets no concrete accession date. At the same time, Brussels urges Kyiv to significantly accelerate reforms in the rule of law area.

Politico reported this on November 4, citing an European Commission document that is to be included in the new EU enlargement package.

According to the roadmap, Ukraine may conclude negotiations on only seven thematic chapters during 2027. At the same time, Brussels emphasizes that meeting key rule of law requirements already in the first half of next year is a precondition for such progress.

In the document, the European Commission calls on Ukrainian authorities to urgently and substantially accelerate relevant reforms. This primarily concerns ensuring the independence of the judicial system, the effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms, and the proper functioning of state institutions.

In the first half of 2027, Brussels foresees the possible conclusion of negotiations in the areas of education and culture. Other areas are planned for the second half of the year, including intellectual property, social policy, industry, research and external relations.

At the same time, Moldova, which has so far been passing the main stages of EU integration in parallel with Ukraine, may progress much faster. According to Commission estimates, Chișinău is capable of concluding negotiations on more than 20 chapters already next year.

This divergence increases the prospect of separating the negotiation processes of the two states. However, no official decision on their separation has been made yet.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's negotiations with the EU continue to move forward. On October 13, the Council of the European Union officially confirmed the opening of two new negotiation clusters - "Internal Market" and "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth". Together they cover 17 chapters, including competition rules, financial services, taxation, industrial policy and digital transformation.

The Commission also proposes to open by the end of 2026 two other negotiation clusters related to green transformation, transport infrastructure, agriculture and regional development. In Brussels' view, Ukraine has already fulfilled the necessary conditions to start these negotiations.

Separately, the Commission is working on a mechanism for gradual integration of candidate countries into the single EU market before full membership. Proposals presented on October 6 provide for the possibility of earlier access to certain European programs and market mechanisms subject to meeting established requirements.

However, even the completion of negotiations on all chapters will not mean automatic accession of Ukraine to the EU. This will require final approval of the accession treaty and its ratification in accordance with EU procedures.

The new roadmap remains a preliminary document that may change depending on the pace of reforms. The Commission allows for faster completion of individual negotiation chapters if Ukraine demonstrates greater progress than assumed by current benchmarks.

Based on materials from: Politico, Council of the European Union, European Commission