EU Parliament backs Ukraine accession path but urges further rule-of-law reforms

Strasbourg, 8 July 2026

Praise for progress on rule of law and anti-corruption measures
Need for predictable EU multiannual financial support for Ukraine
EU must support new momentum on the battlefield

On Wednesday, MEPs called for a constructive discussion on how to advance Ukraine’s European integration, taking into account the EU’s strategic interests. Assessing Ukraine’s progress on reforms relating to its EU membership application process, the European Parliament welcomed the opening of the first fundamental cluster of accession negotiations in June 2026 and hoped that subsequent clusters would follow soon.

With 460 votes in favour, 136 against, and 59 abstentions, the Parliament asked for a constructive discussion on how to advance Ukraine’s European integration, while also taking the EU’s strategic interests into account. EU member states should consider the dynamics in accession countries, including Russia’s attempts to undermine public support for EU membership, and work on advancing the future security of Ukraine and the European continent, stress MEPs.

Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, rule of law

The report commends Ukraine’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and safeguard the separation of powers during wartime. MEPs welcome Ukraine’s progress on judicial reform and the fight against corruption while calling for continued reform in these critical areas. They point out that a strong rule of law foundation will enable transparency and accountability in the reconstruction and economic recovery processes, improving the investment climate and international partners’ trust.

On the issue of future elections, the text emphasises the importance of allowing sufficient time to ensure the necessary standards and conditions for free and fair elections are met once martial law is lifted. MEPs reject the US administration’s pressure on Ukraine to hold elections with Russia’s war still ongoing.

Increase the pressure on Russia

Welcoming the G7 leaders’ June 2026 statement on Ukraine, MEPs underline the need to support the country’s momentum on the battlefield and increase the pressure on the Russian war economy.

Welcoming the first instalment of €3.2 billion under the Ukraine Support Loan, MEPs ask for predictable EU multiannual financial support for Ukraine to help the country cover its recovery and defence expenses without yearly uncertainty.

Importance of good neighbourly relations

Regarding the renaming of an elite military unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), MEPs regret the disregard for Polish sensitivities and grief and consider that this decision undermines neighbourly relations, calling for de-escalation and renewed efforts in good faith towards reconciliation.

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Since Ukraine’s European path started in 2014, the country has changed profoundly for the better. Russia’s war of aggression has even accelerated this process. A lot has still to be done, for instance to meet the requirements of the fundamentals cluster. Continuation of judicial reforms and the unhindered work of the anti-corruption institutions remain key to advancing along the accession path and meeting citizens’ expectations”, said rapporteur Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany).

Further information

Source – EU Parliament

S&Ds: Europe can and should do more to support Ukraine!

Strasbourg, 8 July 2026

Today, the European Parliament votes on its annual report on Ukraine’s preparations for EU accession. The Socialists and Democrats continue to strongly support Ukraine’s efforts to become a member of the European Union and to prevail against Russian aggression.

The report acknowledges Ukraine’s remarkable progress towards EU membership despite Russia’s campaign of terror directed at civilian targets, while also highlighting the remaining work on the rule of law, anti-corruption, and public administration reform.

It also reflects key S&D priorities, including an explicit call on member states to find innovative accession pathways now; a ban on exports of all dual-use items to Russia, including alumina; calling out Russia’s disingenuous approach to peace as well as the US for falling for it; the need for continued work on the Reparations Loan; and stronger support for Ukraine’s air defence and long-range strike capabilities. Based on our proposal, the report also calls for the appointment of a European negotiator with a clear mandate to represent the EU’s strategic interests and help defend Ukraine in future peace talks.

Thijs Reuten, S&D negotiator on the report, said:

“This report presents a fair and balanced assessment of Ukraine’s reform efforts. We recognise the progress, but also the challenges ahead. Ukraine must maintain its dedication and pace of reforms – especially in anti-corruption, judicial independence, and public procurement – to strengthen democracy, resilience, and improve everyday life for Ukrainians.

“However, to continue working towards its European future, Ukraine urgently needs military support for its defence today, credible guarantees for long-term security, and a fair and lasting peace.

“As we are debating and adopting this report, Russia continues to respond with terror, launching ballistic missiles and drones against residential areas and killing civilians. Europe cannot afford to hesitate. We must urgently strengthen Ukraine’s air defence, deliver long-range capabilities, implement a Sky Shield, tighten sanction implementation – including against Russia’s shadow fleet and maritime services – and step up humanitarian support.

“Ukraine’s accession is about Europe’s future security, with Ukraine becoming a net security provider. Ukraine has one of Europe’s most experienced armed forces and a defence sector that is driving innovation, from battlefield drones to AI-enabled military technologies.

“Ukraine deserves a clear and credible pathway to EU membership. Several countries have proposed ideas but member states need to move from non-paper to real action.”

S&D vice-president Kathleen Van Brempt, responsible for enlargement, said:

“We believe in Ukraine and in its future as a member of the European Union. Ukrainians are not only defending their own freedom and democracy – they are defending Europe’s as well. That is why our support must remain steadfast – politically, militarily, financially, and humanitarianly – until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

“At the same time, we must keep Ukraine’s European path open and credible. Reconstruction and accession must go hand in hand, delivering reforms that strengthen the rule of law, equality, and participatory governance. Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession should become a model for fair, sustainable, progressive reforms that strengthen social justice and improve people’s lives.”

Source – S&D Group

Renew Europe: Open the door to Ukraine, keep the pressure on Russia

Strasbourg, 8 July 2026

The European Parliament today adopted its report on Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership, sending a clear message: Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union, and Europe must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Renew Europe call on Ukraine to accelerate the implementation of reforms, in particular the fight against corruption and the strengthening of the rule of law. Accession must remain merit-based – and reforms delivered under fire are the strongest proof of Ukraine’s European commitment.

Petras Auštrevičius (Liberalų sąjūdis, Lithuania), Renew shadow rapporteur for Ukraine, said:

“Ukraine’s integration into the EU offers guarantees of its sovereignty and endurance. Ultimately, it would significantly reinforce Europe’s security. It is a mutually beneficial win-win situation. Negotiations on Ukraine’s membership should begin as soon as possible, covering all six negotiation clusters, while maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance with all conditions. The recent tensions between Poland and Ukraine, rooted in complex historical grievances, must be resolved as soon as possible, while avoiding the rise of nationalism and historical hegemony. Europe’s strength lies in unity.”

Renew Europe also insists that Europe’s military support must match its political promises. Russia’s war of aggression is illegal, and any peace settlement must be just, lasting and decided by Ukraine – not imposed on it. That means more weapons delivered faster, stronger air defence to protect civilians, tougher sanctions strictly enforced until peace is fully implemented, and solid, binding security guarantees.

Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused: discussions on the use of immobilised Russian assets must continue, so that they support both Ukraine’s defence and its reconstruction.

Ukraine must also be further anchored in Europe’s security and defence architecture: its battle-tested defence industry should be integrated into Europe’s defence industrial base, and its energy system – a prime target of Russian attacks – must be protected and further integrated into the EU energy market.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP, Germany), chair of the Committee on Security & Defence, said:

“Ukraine’s skies are Europe’s first line of defence. Every Russian drone and missile fired at Kyiv is also a test run for a future attack on us. And yet Europe still delivers protection in homeopathic doses. That must end.

Ukraine needs two things, and it needs them now: the shield and the sword. The shield means more Patriot and IRIS-T systems, more interceptors, delivered on a binding timeline, not announced at summits and lost in procurement afterwards. The sword means the ability to strike the launch sites, airfields and logistics from which Russia wages this terror against civilians. You do not stop a drone swarm by only catching drones, you stop it by hitting the archer, not just the arrows.

That is why I say clearly: countries that possess long-range precision systems must finally deliver them and that includes Germany with the Taurus. Every excuse not to has been overtaken by reality. Hesitation does not deescalate this war, it prolongs it. If we are serious that Ukraines future lies in the European Union, then we must be equally serious about making sure Ukraine survives the road there.”

Source – Renew Europe

ECR: Ukraine’s European future must also be built on historical truth

Strasbourg, 8 July 2026

The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted its report on Ukraine, reaffirming its support for the country’s European path and recognising the significant reforms undertaken despite Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

Speaking during the plenary debate, Polish MEP and ECR Shadow Rapporteur Michał Dworczyk said:

“We stood with Ukraine from the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion and will continue to support its fight for freedom and sovereignty. But true friendship is built on honesty, not on silence.”

Dworczyk expressed concern over the recent decision by President Zelenskyy to name an elite unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the “heroes” of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), whose crimes against Poles and Jews remain one of the darkest chapters in the history of the region.

“Ukraine’s path towards the European Union must be based on respect for historical truth, remembrance of the victims of the genocide committed by the OUN and UPA, and fidelity to the values on which the European community is built. These values require us to honour the victims, not those responsible for their suffering.

“Historical truth is not an obstacle to reconciliation. It is not an obstacle on the road to Europe. On the contrary – it is its foundation. Only on the basis of truth and mutual respect can we build a common European future”, Dworczyk added.

The ECR Group reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and European aspirations while underlining that genuine reconciliation is founded on truth, remembrance and mutual respect.

Source – ECR Group