What are the key results of the bilateral screenings, and how much progress has Ukraine made in the fundamentals cluster? How can Germany and the EU support Ukraine on its path to EU membership? What disinformation narratives is Russia using to undermine public support for Ukraine's EU accession? The first Expert Exchange within the "Pathways to Progress" project addressed these questions and provided an important impetus for fostering dialogue between Ukraine and Germany on the rule of law and European fundamental values.
Ukraine’s reform progress and challenges
During the event, it was emphasised that the temporary restrictions on certain freedoms due to martial law are proportionate. At the same time, participants highlighted that there is no universal model for combating corruption—each reform area has its own specific challenges. However, Ukraine is pursuing a clear vision and working on roadmaps for the rule of law, public administration reform, and democratic institutions. A dedicated plan for the protection of national minorities has been integrated into the negotiation framework and has already been positively assessed by the European Commission.
Public administration reform as a key to EU integration
A reform of public administration is a key prerequisite for Ukraine’s successful EU integration. An efficient and modern administration is considered the most effective safeguard against corruption and the foundation of a strong rule of law. However, the current system’s high degree of personalisation was critically examined. A change in government could lead to the loss of the negotiation team, potentially setting back the reform process. To mitigate this risk, roles within the working groups should be clearly defined. Lessons from negotiations with the Western Balkan candidate states were referenced in this context.
Rule of law and international support
Participants issued a strong warning about the consequences of incomplete implementation of rule of law principles. Ongoing deficiencies in this area could have significant financial repercussions. Conversely, successful reforms in the rule of law sector could reduce Ukraine’s need for international support. Nonetheless, strategic partnerships remain crucial. The importance of a transparent selection process for judges, with the involvement of international experts, was particularly emphasised.
Security and peace negotiations
Another key topic was the security dimension. Ukraine must have a strong voice in future peace negotiations to protect its territorial integrity and the rights of victims. A lack of support from the EU and Germany in this area could weaken Ukraine’s trust in European institutions. Equally crucial is the reform of the Supreme Court, as well as the active involvement of Ukrainian civil society and international experts in the EU accession process.
The event was opened by Alyn Schymanietz, Policy Officer for Ukraine, Moldova, and Black Sea Cooperation at the German Federal Foreign Office, and Helge Arends, Director of the GIZ project 3*E4U. Speakers included Oleksandr Ilkov, Director General of the Government Office for the Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration (GOCEEI), Liubov Akulenko, Director of the Ukrainian Centre for European Policy (UCEP), Mykhailo Zhernakov, Chairman of the Board of the DEJURE Foundation in Kyiv and Wilfried Jilge, Ukraine expert, Advisor on Ukraine and the Black Sea region at the Stabilisation Platform of GIZ, and Associate Fellow at the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia at DGAP. The discussion was moderated by Ljudmyla Melnyk, Head of the Ukraine Programme at Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP).
The expert exchange took place as part of the project Pathways to Progress: Germany-Ukraine Dialogues for Rule of Law on EU Accession, which is funded through the 3*E4U project of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office.
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