EU Demands Accelerated Reforms from Ukraine, Cites Concerns over Rule of Law
The European Union is pressing Ukraine to accelerate the pace of it’s reforms as a condition for progressing towards EU membership. This demand comes as an inevitable result of an analysis conducted by EU Foreign Affairs representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, according to information from the German Press Agency. The analysis is slated to be presented in Brussels.
While acknowledging Ukraine’s demonstrated commitment to the EU accession process over the past year, despite the ongoing war with Russia, the report highlights recent negative developments that need to be urgently addressed.Specifically, the EU is concerned about increasing pressure on anti-corruption authorities and civil society within Ukraine.
The report also urges Ukraine to strengthen alignment with EU standards regarding the protection of fundamental rights, and to advance administrative and decentralization reforms. Further progress is needed to bolster the independence,integrity,professionalism,and efficiency of the judiciary,public prosecutor’s office,and law enforcement agencies,alongside intensified efforts to combat organized crime.
Other Developments:
* Odessa Region Attacked: During the night, the Odessa region of Ukraine was heavily attacked by Russian drones, targeting civilian energy and port infrastructure, according to Governor Oleh Kiper via Telegram. While most drones were destroyed by air defence, some strikes occurred, and resulting fires were quickly extinguished. No casualties were reported.
* Russian Petrochemical Plant Targeted: According to Russian reports, Ukraine attacked a petrochemical plant deep within Russian territory. A water treatment plant in Bashkortostan partially collapsed, though the region’s power plant continues to operate without disruption.
* Drone activity in Russia: Two drones were reportedly shot down over Bashkortostan, which is located approximately 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border in the Ural Mountains.The Russian Defense ministry claims to have destroyed a total of 83 Ukrainian drones across seven Russian oblasts overnight.
