European Commission concerned over slowdown in Ukraine's reforms, but says there is still time to catch up

The European Commission has acknowledged that it is concerned that the pace of reforms required for Ukraine to join the EU may slow down.

Source: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos in an interview with European Pravda

Details: During the interview, Kos noted that Ukraine's progress towards EU membership has been "quite fast" so far.

"But I'm worried that because of the situation in Rada [Ukraine's parliament – ed.], the processes could slow down. And this shouldn't happen," she said.

Kos said she frequently meets with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, and when she does, she sends a clear message: "Ukraine's accession process or your future membership is not a project of the government. It is a project of the whole nation."

"In Rada, we have the representatives of the whole nation. So they have to do what the people want. But I would like to see the unity of making the reforms or adopting the reforms, also in the future. Until now, you've been great. Now this has slowed down," she added.

Kos said it would not be a tragedy if the implementation of certain reforms were delayed by a few months.

"But if you will have more and more and more delays, then we will have to react," she stressed.

However, she said she is confident that Ukraine can make up for lost time.

"Once again, you have done a lot. If I compare you with the Western Balkan countries – even if I don't like doing this – with this comparison, I can give you a hope that it is possible. If I compare what Ukraine is doing with the Western Balkans, you are so much better than they are in doing these reforms! And you are at war," she noted.

Background:

• In the same interview, Kos said that decisions regarding Ukraine's possible fast-tracked EU accession would be taken by EU member states.
• She also stated that a draft of new rules for the EU enlargement process will be presented in a few months.

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