EU and Ukraine form joint task force to speed accession reforms
The group will meet regularly to help Kyiv meet interim benchmarks on rule of law and anti‑corruption following Hungary’s withdrawal of its veto.
The European Union and Ukraine have launched a joint task force that will meet regularly to accelerate Kyiv’s progress on the reforms required for EU accession, with a particular focus on rule of law and anti‑corruption measures.
The move comes after Hungary withdrew its veto, enabling Ukraine to open two additional negotiating clusters this week. EU officials say the new body will help Ukraine meet interim benchmarks linked to those clusters.
Practical support and a political signal
According to the announcement, the working group will be made up of representatives from both the EU and Ukraine and is intended to provide hands‑on assistance as Kyiv implements commitments needed for membership.
EU Commissioner Marta Kos wrote on X on October 16, 2026: "Ukraine is among the countries making most progress towards EU membership. Following the opening of two more negotiating clusters this week, I discussed the next steps with PM @KoretskyiUA. We agreed to launch a joint Task Force to accelerate progress on the interim benchmarks and advance essential rule of law and anti-corruption reforms. This step shows our commitment to supporting Ukraine's path to EU membership. Our success will require unity and commitment from all involved Ukrainian partners. We saw this earlier this week when the Ukrainian parliament adopted the new education laws on minorities."
Officials say the initiative is both practical — offering technical and political guidance on meeting the benchmarks — and symbolic, signalling sustained EU backing for Ukraine’s accession track amid ongoing reforms.
Photo: press material from the event
