EU and Ukraine Launch Joint Task Force to Accelerate Accession Negotiations

The European Commission announced the establishment of a joint task force with Ukraine to expedite the accession process, following Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on opening additional negotiating clusters.

EU and Ukrainian officials will collaborate on the task force, aimed at assisting Kyiv in fulfilling its accession requirements. Earlier this week, member states agreed to open two more negotiating clusters, with the remaining two expected by the end of the year.

“Ukraine is among the countries making the most progress toward EU membership. After opening two additional negotiating clusters this week, I discussed the next steps with PM Serhii Koretskyi, and we agreed to launch a joint Task Force,” Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on X.

The task force will focus on interim benchmarks—mid-process targets that candidates must meet before initiating the closure of negotiating chapters. It will address outstanding requirements under the accession fundamentals, including rule of law and anti-corruption reforms.

“This is a critical step to have a joint task force that will convene twice weekly over the coming months to significantly accelerate the work,” Katarína Mathernová, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, stated to Euronews.

Hungary’s veto was lifted after Ukraine enacted an education law addressing the needs of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. The Ukrainian parliament passed the legislation with broad support, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved it promptly.

The legislative agreement bolsters confidence that Ukraine’s political leadership will maintain the consensus necessary to adopt reforms required for EU membership.

A Commission official noted that the task force follows the model used for Montenegro and Moldova, providing Ukraine’s accession process renewed momentum.

Ukraine is also expected to receive a detailed roadmap outlining key steps and an indicative timeline for completing the accession process as part of a broader enlargement package due in early November.

“This step demonstrates our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s EU integration. Our success will require unity and dedication from all Ukrainian stakeholders,” Kos emphasized.

Sasha Vakulina contributed to the reporting.

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