On September 30, 2025, Ukraine, together with the European Commission, completed the official screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU law. The final bilateral session focused on Chapter 22: Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments within Cluster 5: Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion.
During the final screening, nine presentations on regional policy were delivered, covering topics from government organization at all levels to specific territorial development tools. Special attention was given to the impact of the war on regional development approaches, with four types of territories identified based on security conditions and special support programs created for frontline communities. Currently, 93% of territorial communities are covered by strategic planning, with over half having approved, coordinated development strategies that guide project funding decisions.
The presentations also showcased practical EU cooperation through 276 Interreg projects totaling €105 million, introduced digital transparency systems (DREAM for reconstruction, Prozorro for procurement), highlighted anti-corruption agencies’ work, and presented a territorial development monitoring system using geoinformation tools.
“This is a historic step on the path to the European Union. I am grateful to the large team at the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, the Government, and our international partners. Thanks to their dedication and professionalism, we completed the screening in record time and demonstrated that Ukraine is ready for the next stage of European integration,” said Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba.
The screening process between Ukraine and the European Commission lasted 15 months, making it one of the fastest ever conducted with EU candidate countries. The bilateral meetings totaled 66 days, during which:
- 34 bilateral meetings between Ukraine and the European Commission were held
- Over 700 presentations were delivered across 6 negotiation Clusters
- Responses to European Commission questionnaires totaled over 9,000 pages
- Representatives from more than 70 government bodies were involved
The successful completion of the screening was made possible through coordinated work with international partners, including DG REGIO, DG ENEST, OECD, Poland’s Ministry of Funds and Regional Development, ULEAD Program, Ukraine2EU program, 3*E4U project, as well as numerous other international partners and national experts.
Ukraine has already received European Commission reports on Clusters 1, 3, and 6, with reports for Clusters 4 and 5 expected soon. These documents will form the basis of the National Program for the Adaptation of Ukrainian Legislation to EU Law (NPAA), which outlines concrete steps and timelines for implementing European standards.
Ukraine has met the requirements for opening Cluster 1, recognized by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and 26 EU member states. The country continues political dialogue to secure support from all 27 EU member states.
Meanwhile, without waiting for the official opening of negotiations on the Clusters, Ukraine will continue adapting its legislation to EU norms and standards, allowing rapid progress once the negotiation Clusters are formally opened.
To ensure transparency, the “EU Accession Pulse” monitoring system was developed, enabling both government institutions and the public to track Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership in real time.
