Ukraine's promises of reform to Brussels are still mainly theoretical. In December, the country committed to a wide set of rule-of-law changes. These were essential to advancing negotiations for EU membership and to obtaining critical financial support. However, right after the agreement was made, the government stopped prioritizing those reforms. Vitaly Shabunin, a member of the Anti-Corruption Action Center's board, pointed out that important reforms involving the justice system, law enforcement, and anti-corruption efforts have yet to be enacted. Corruption activists claim President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration is deliberately delaying the reforms to retain power over key law enforcement bodies. Zelensky's office refused to comment when approached.
The plan received approval from EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Ukraine's former Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Taras Kachka. Many parts of the Kachka-Kos plan have now become part of Ukraine's conditions for EU membership. Some provisions also became requirements for financial disbursements under the EU's Ukraine Facility. Nonetheless, Kyiv has not shown significant action. Analysts suggest the Zelensky administration has little desire to truly enact the reforms. They believe Zelensky is concerned about losing influence over law enforcement and fears that independent investigators might probe corruption involving his allies. Shabunin emphasized that the issue at hand is Ukraine's potential place within the EU.
Lack of Government Response
Spokespersons from the new Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Vsevolod Chentsov, the Justice Ministry, and a law enforcement committee in parliament all declined to give statements. A June evaluation from the EU showed that only 15% of the plan had been completed, despite the original deadline passing at the end of the year. What progress there was mainly involved the early phases of the legislative process. Mykhailo Zhernakov, representing Dejure, noted that Kachka was trying to push the government to take steps forward. Kachka was removed from his position during a government reorganization in July. He is expected to be appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the EU. Anastasia Radina, from the parliamentary anti-corruption committee, stated that Kachka seemed to have suffered consequences for the bold promises he had made.
Kachka also came under criticism for not adequately advocating for the reforms. The plan included a requirement for Ukraine to pass legislation to strengthen the system of integrity declarations for judges. In June, a law regarding these declarations was approved. However, Dejure, a judicial oversight group, argued that the law could in fact help judges avoid responsibility for incorrect statements. The group also stated that instead of improving the system, lawmakers had weakened it. Ukrainian officials rejected these criticisms. It remains unclear whether the European Commission will accept the new law as fulfilling the conditions of the Ukraine Facility.
EU Evaluation and Conditions
The European Commission is currently evaluating the law under the Ukraine Plan's conditions. It will finalize its decision once Ukraine submits the law as part of a request for funds. The Commission will also take into account the Venice Commission's opinions, which provide legal advice to the EU. The next disbursement is expected in September. Two sources indicated that Kos, the EU commissioner for enlargement, may have encouraged lawmakers to support the bill.
The plan also aimed to have international experts examine the integrity declarations of current Supreme Court judges. The EU has pushed for these changes due to ongoing corruption issues within the court. A bill concerning integrity declarations was passed by the parliament. It contained a section directing the Cabinet of Ministers to create a separate proposal on Supreme Court declarations within six months. This extended timeline is puzzling. The initial plan did not allow for such a long delay.
Concerns About Reform Delays
Experts are concerned that this holdup reflects the government's lack of dedication. They suspect the Supreme Court reform is being postponed to avoid meaningful change. Zelensky's team has denied these claims but has not provided a clear roadmap for progressing forward. The European Commission is waiting to see if Ukraine fulfills its commitments. If it does not, it may affect financial support and EU membership talks. For now, Ukraine's reform agenda remains incomplete, raising questions about its preparedness for deeper ties with the EU.
