The European Union has presented Ukraine with a comprehensive list of reforms necessary for its accession to the bloc, emphasizing its commitment to advancing the process despite the ongoing conflict with Russia and objections from Hungary.

During a meeting in Lviv, western Ukraine, top EU officials and diplomats conveyed that a set of demands covering approximately half of the required reforms would facilitate progress as formal negotiations remain stalled due to opposition from Budapest. EU membership has emerged as a central objective for Ukraine as it seeks to strengthen ties with the West amid stagnated NATO prospects.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been a significant obstacle to Ukraine's ambitions, arguing that accession talks should not progress during wartime. He has voiced concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine and the potential economic risks involved. Despite being out of alignment with other EU member states, Hungary has maintained its stance, with no representative attending the recent meeting, and has cultivated close ties with Moscow, diverging from the broader EU consensus.

Marie Bjerre, Denmark's minister for European affairs, affirmed that the EU is proceeding with its agenda. She stated, "It is very clear that we are 26 member countries that see a future with Ukraine in the EU. It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when," highlighting a collective commitment among the majority of EU member states.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004 amid its own territorial division, may offer a roadmap for Ukraine's accession. Set to take over the EU's rotating presidency from Denmark on January 1, Cyprus has pledged to continue working on Ukraine’s bid. Cyprus' deputy minister for European affairs, Marilena Raouna, commended Ukraine's “extraordinary political will” in pursuing essential reforms, emphasizing that the Ukrainian people are defending not just their sovereignty but the fundamental principles of democracy, freedom, human dignity, and rights.

Ukraine's journey toward EU membership entails significant alignment of its governmental structure with EU systems, rules, and practices, segmented into six “clusters.” Detailed requirements within three of those clusters were agreed upon during a recent meeting, focusing on the rule of law, democratic institutions, internal market, and external relations. Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, Taras Kachka, stressed the urgency of rule-of-law reforms, especially in light of a recent corruption scandal affecting the government. He noted that the pace of alignment now depends on Kyiv's commitment to the outlined benchmarks and reforms.

Ukraine is competing for membership alongside eight other candidates, including Albania, Bosnia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey, though the levels of negotiation vary considerably. Should Ukraine join the EU, it would become the bloc's largest member state by land area, surpassing France, particularly when accounting for territories currently occupied by Russia. An EU membership for Ukraine would solidify its status as an agricultural powerhouse and enhance its geographical significance regarding energy, simultaneously counteracting Russia's influence and promoting the union's values in eastern Europe.

Marta Kos, the EU enlargement commissioner who led the discussions, emphasized that providing clear reform directives would accelerate Ukraine's transition toward EU integration. She concluded, “Reforms are at the center of this process, and nobody can veto Ukraine from doing these reforms. Ukraine will become a member of the EU, and nobody can block it.”