Key facts
- Ukraine's new EU ambassador, Taras Kachka, arrived in Brussels to reassure EU officials about the country's commitment to reforms.
- Recent legislative blockages in Ukraine have stalled progress on rule-of-law and financial reforms.
- These delays could result in the loss of billions of euros in EU financial support.
- President Zelensky is seeking to frontload loan installments from the EU.
- Kachka emphasized that trust and continued reform are crucial for Ukraine's EU accession.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — Ukraine's incoming ambassador to the EU, Taras Kachka, has arrived in Brussels to reassure European officials of Kyiv's commitment to reforms, despite recent legislative setbacks. Kachka, who officially begins his role later in September, spoke at the Bruegel think tank's annual conference about Ukraine's path to EU accession and the critical need for continued financial support.
Kachka highlighted that while Ukraine began unlocking EU enlargement clusters, or reform checklists, in June 2026, recent parliamentary actions have stalled progress. Specifically, the Ukrainian parliament blocked rule-of-law reforms in August and financial reforms on September 1. These blockages could lead to the forfeiture of billions of euros in potential EU funding.
Amidst these challenges, President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging the EU to release loan installments scheduled for 2027 earlier. Kachka emphasized that the ongoing war does not negate Ukraine's commitment to democratic values, pointing to the country's pluralistic media and the passage of anti-corruption laws. He acknowledged the concerns of EU member states, stating that their questions are taken seriously and that trust, particularly in rule of law and anti-corruption efforts, is the cornerstone of the mutual undertaking to deter Russia.
Kachka also praised the EU's 90-billion-euro loan as a revolutionary initiative but noted that Zelensky's request to frontload payments stems from unfulfilled financial promises by other international partners. He mentioned that the UK's participation in financing the loan, rather than providing additional funds, highlights the need for greater support. To allow EU countries to verify progress, Zelensky has called for 44 reforms to be passed by November 1, a deadline that would enable timely assessment of Ukraine's commitment to its reform agenda.