Ukraine EU Task Force Launches to Speed Accession Progress

Ukraine is getting unprecedented support in its journey to join the European Union, with a new joint task force meeting twice a week to help the country meet its membership goals.

The European Commission announced the partnership on Friday after Hungary lifted its longstanding veto on opening further negotiating clusters. EU and Ukrainian officials will now work side by side to help Kyiv complete its accession homework, focusing on rule of law and anti-corruption reforms.

"Ukraine is among the countries making most progress towards EU membership," said Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. Earlier this week, member states agreed to open two more negotiating clusters, bringing Ukraine closer to the finish line. The remaining two clusters are expected by the end of the year.

The task force will tackle interim benchmarks, the mid-process targets every candidate must hit before closing negotiating chapters. These include fundamental reforms on the rule of law and anti-corruption measures that strengthen democratic institutions.

"This is an important step to have a joint task force that will be meeting in fact twice a week over the next several months to really try to accelerate the work," said Katarína Mathernová, the EU ambassador to Ukraine. The intensive schedule shows how seriously both sides are taking this partnership.

Hungary's veto lifted after Ukraine passed an education law protecting the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. The Ukrainian parliament approved the law with broad support, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it quickly. The vote signals that Ukraine's political leaders are united on the reforms needed for EU membership.

The Ripple Effect: This task force follows successful models used for Montenegro and Moldova, giving Ukraine's accession new momentum. Kyiv will also receive a detailed roadmap with main steps and an indicative timeline to complete the process as part of a broader enlargement package expected in early November.

The partnership shows how countries can work together to achieve shared goals, even during challenging times. Ukraine's progress demonstrates that political will combined with practical support can create real change.

Ukraine's journey toward EU membership is accelerating, backed by the tools and partnership it needs to succeed.