Maternova noted that on November 4, the European Commission’s report on Ukraine was published, but at the same time there was also a press release, which is a political document from the EC on all accession candidate countries.
“It spoke about indicative dates – not as legal obligations, but as desired dates. It noted that Montenegro is expected to complete negotiations in 2026, Albania in 2027, and Moldova and Ukraine in 2028. That is, in fact, there is a window of opportunity of two, two and a half years to take all the necessary measures,” the ambassador emphasized.
According to Maternova, countries that have already undergone enlargement are convinced that the demands of this process are in fact reforms that benefit Ukrainians.
“I realize that this is problematic now, because the democratic mandate has already come to an end. The Rada has been in operation for six years, the president has been in office for six years. That is, it is not easy, because if not for the war, the natural cycle would have already provided for the holding of elections,” the diplomat pointed out. “But despite the difficulties, I believe that it is very important for civil society to be active and insist on reforms, and for the authorities to work on them.”
Maternova expressed hope that it will be possible to achieve the adoption of the necessary European integration laws by the Rada.
