Ukraine EU Membership Moves Forward as Bloc Delivers Major Reform List in Lviv

The European Union has given Ukraine a new list of reforms needed for Ukraine EU membership. EU ministers delivered the list on Thursday in Lviv. The list covers key steps the country must meet before accession. The meeting took place as the war with Russia continues. It also happened while Hungary keeps blocking formal talks.

From left: Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka, Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, attend a joint press conference after informal meeting of EU ministers for European affairs in Lviv, Ukraine, on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

The new demands cover almost half of the reforms Ukraine needs. EU officials said the move will help progress even with Budapest’s objections. According to AP News, the ministers said the process must continue. Ukraine sees EU entry as its main path to anchor itself with the West. NATO plans remain uncertain.

EU Reform Demands Push Process Ahead Despite Hungary Roadblock

EU officials said Hungary stayed out of the talks. The government of Viktor Orbán argues that talks should pause during wartime. It also raises concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority and economic effects. Hungary is the only EU country taking this stance.

Danish minister Marie Bjerre said the other 26 states stand united. She said they all support Ukraine’s future in the EU. Ukraine welcomed the list and said it gives clear markers for progress.

The reform list includes work in rule of law, markets and external relations. These areas were agreed with Kyiv on Thursday. According to AP News, Ukraine acknowledged that recent corruption issues made rule‑of‑law changes urgent. Kyiv said it is ready to move faster if needed.

How the New EU Benchmarks Shape the Next Phase for Ukraine

The EU groups reforms into six major clusters. Work on three clusters is now active. Officials say the process will take at least two years. Ukraine must align its institutions with EU standards across many sectors. These include courts, markets, and foreign policy.

Cyprus, which joins the rotating EU presidency on Jan. 1, said it will continue the push. The island nation joined the EU while still divided by conflict. Officials said this gives it special insight into Ukraine’s path. They praised Ukraine’s strong political will to carry out reforms.

Ukraine is one of nine countries in the accession line. Talks progress at different speeds for each nation. If Ukraine joins, it would become the EU’s largest member by land size. It is also a major farming nation and important for energy routes. The EU says membership would extend stability and reduce Russian influence.

EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said Ukraine now has a clear road map. She said no country can block Ukraine from making reforms. She said reforms remain the core of the process.

Ukraine EU membership remains a top goal for Kyiv. The new reform list gives the country a defined path. EU officials say progress will continue despite political roadblocks.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest step in Ukraine EU membership?

The EU gave Ukraine a new list of required reforms. These reforms cover rule of law, markets and external relations. They mark a major step forward in the process.

Q2: Why is Hungary blocking progress?

Hungary says talks should pause during the war. It also raises issues about minority rights and economic risks. Other EU members do not share this view.

Q3: How long could the EU process take for Ukraine?

EU officials say it will take at least two years. Ukraine must align many systems with EU rules. Work on three major reform clusters is already underway.

Q4: What role will Cyprus play next?

Cyprus takes over the EU presidency on Jan. 1. It says it will keep Ukraine’s accession work moving. It has experience joining the EU while facing conflict.

Q5: Could Ukraine become the EU’s largest member?

Yes. By land area, Ukraine would be the largest EU state if it joins. It would surpass France in size.