Ukraine successfully passed the EU's assessment on entrepreneurship and industrial policies.
Ukraine's Journey Towards EU Membership
Ukraine has taken a significant step in aligning its legal framework with European Union (EU) norms by successfully completing the screening process for the "Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy" sector. This milestone marks one of the many stages in Ukraine's ambitious plans to join the EU. The screening procedure took place on April 28-29 in Brussels, where the Ukrainian delegation presented its progress in various areas, including industrial policy modernization, small and medium-sized business support, and light industry development.
The Ukrainian Delegation's Performance
Deputy Ministers of Economy Tatiana Berezhna and Andrei Telypa, Deputy Director of the Department of Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of Economy Alexander Vasylchuk, and representatives from several other ministries discussed the progress made in key sectors during the sessions. The team showcased advancements in areas such as corporate sustainability, deregulation and digitization, social economy development, and steel industry restoration.
Notable Achievements
The European Commission commended the high level of preparedness demonstrated by the Ukrainian delegation during the screening. However, the Commission highlighted the need for swift implementation of the Late Payment Directive, which requires further attention.
Moving Forward
As part of Ukraine's efforts to align with EU standards, the country submitted the "Ukraine Plan," outlining modernization targets and industrial policy harmonization with EU norms. The first negotiation cluster could open once Hungary's veto has been lifted, with Moldova potentially proceeding independently if delays persist.
Muddied Waters
Diplomatic obstacles remain, with Hungary's concerns regarding minority rights serving as a notable hurdle. Bilateral talks between Ukraine and Hungary are scheduled to commence on May 12, 2025, with the primary objective of resolving disputes pertaining to minority-protection issues. The European Commission has confirmed Ukraine's readiness for accelerated talks, provided these procedural hurdles can be overcome.
Ukraine's EU accession negotiations are not without challenges, but the country remains resilient in its pursuit of closer ties with the European Union. The journey forward requires continued reform efforts, diplomatic engagement, and perseverance to overcome any roadblocks that may arise along the way.
[1] "Hungary vs. Ukraine: The Battle for European Integration" - Aspenia, April 2025[2] "European Parliament Endorses Ukraine's Reform Trajectory" - European Parliament Press Release, March 2025[3] "EU Commission Confirms Ukraine's Readiness to Open First Negotiation Cluster in 2025" - European Commission Press Release, March 2025[4] "Ukraine-Hungary: Minority Rights Disputes and Implications for EU Accession" - Brookings Institution, March 2025[5] "Ukraine's EU Accession: Assessing Progress and Challenges" - Chatham House, April 2025.
- To further propel its business sector, Ukraine has ventured into entrepreneurship standards as part of its journey towards EU membership, showcasing progress in areas like corporate sustainability and digitization during the screening process.
- Amidst these strides, financial support for small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine remains essential for fostering a robust and resilient industrial policy.
- In the face of challenges, Ukraine would benefit from learning insights and best practices from success stories in other countries, such as Moldova, which has also embarked on a similar path towards EU accession.
- To ensure that Ukraine's EU accession negotiations stay on track, it is crucial to address diplomatic issues like minority rights, as seen with Hungary, and complete the implementation of EU standards, like the Late Payment Directive, swiftly and effectively.
