Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has assured the European Union of further reforms ahead of Wednesday's hoped-for recommendation for the country's accession negotiations with Brussels.
Ukraine is working on new laws and on strengthening its state institutions in order to introduce EU standards in the country, Zelensky said in his evening video message broadcast in Kiev on Tuesday. "Ukraine will be in the EU."
Membership means "economic security and social stability" for Ukraine, Zelensky said. The country is surviving in its fight against the Russian invasion thanks to billions in aid from the EU.
The European Commission intends to present its report on Ukraine's reform progress.
The country, which is under attack from Russia, expects a recommendation for the start of accession negotiations before the end of the year. The EU's leaders want to decide on this issue in December.
According to Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave "positive signals" during her visit to Kiev on Saturday. "We are already preparing our next steps following this report," said Zelensky, referring to Wednesday.
The country would achieve membership of the European Union through an internal transformation. It is important for this that parliament passes the relevant laws, said Zelensky.
Ukraine has come a long way, said Zelensky. In his video address, he also recalled the 10th anniversary of the "Revolution of Dignity:" The pro-European demonstrations that led to the overthrow of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych in 2014 began in November 2013.
The EU's other reform demands revolve around the selection process for Ukrainian constitutional judges and a stronger fight against corruption - particularly at a high level.
The EU is also demanding that standards be met in the fight against money laundering and that a law against the excessive influence of oligarchs be implemented.
