On October 30, 2024, the European Commission released its annual report on EU expansion, highlighting Ukraine's significant progress towards EU membership despite the ongoing conflict.

As the Russian aggression against Ukraine approaches 1,000 days, the conflict has become a defining challenge for Europe, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of security and borders in the 21st century.

The security of Europe is now inseparable from Ukraine's security, underscoring the importance of Ukraine's integration into European structures.

Amid these challenges, Ukraine is fighting for its independence while implementing essential reforms that reflect a commitment to European values.

The report also addresses Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts, countering Russian disinformation that portrays the country as highly corrupt, and notes significant judicial progress.

The Ukrainian government emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality reforms without seeking shortcuts in its EU accession journey.

The report's key recommendation indicates that Ukraine is ready to advance to the next phase of negotiations in 2025, beginning with rule of law issues.

Notably, Ukraine has met all recommendations set by the European Commission in 2022 for candidate status, marking a historic achievement during wartime.

The ongoing process of 'screening' Ukrainian legislation in line with EU laws is recognized, helping Ukraine identify necessary legal adaptations.

Ukraine appreciates Portugal's significant support for its European integration and plans to leverage Portugal's experience during the accession process.

To accommodate new member states, the EU must reform its decision-making processes and institutions, ensuring a smoother accession process.

The upcoming five-year cycle for the EU will be crucial for both Ukraine and Europe, focusing on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and necessary reforms.