Ukraine's accession to EU: European Council receives first screening report

The screening report was officially submitted on January 16, 2025. 

Accession negotiations are divided into 35 chapters grouped into six clusters. These clusters are addressed sequentially, based on the candidate country's progress in meeting required benchmarks.

The submitted screening report will now be reviewed by EU member states in the European Council. After the Council determines that Ukraine has met the necessary initial benchmarks for this cluster, both sides will prepare their negotiation positions. Once this is completed, an Intergovernmental conference will be convened to formally open negotiations on this cluster.

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Ukraine is currently undergoing a bilateral screening process, which is expected to conclude by autumn 2025. If Ukraine fulfills the necessary requirements, the opening of negotiations on other clusters, including fundamentals, may also begin this year.

The European Commission has reiterated that the enlargement of the EU remains a priority. Despite facing Russian aggression, Ukraine has demonstrated strong commitment to advancing its EU membership aspirations and implementing vital reforms.