Zelenskyy Calls for Ukraine to Join EU Before 2030 After Commission Delivers Warning on Corruption – Europe Live

In a bold and emotional appeal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for his country to be accepted into the European Union before 2030, even as the European Commission released a report highlighting ongoing concerns over corruption and governance. The speech marks another crucial moment in Ukraine’s ongoing effort to align itself with Europe — politically, economically, and morally — amid the backdrop of its war with Russia.

The EU’s latest assessment, published in Brussels, praised Ukraine’s progress on judicial reforms and transparency, but emphasized that corruption remains a major obstacle to full membership. For Zelenskyy, however, the message was clear: Ukraine has earned its place at Europe’s table through resilience, sacrifice, and reform — and now deserves a timeline.

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A Nation’s Bid for European Belonging

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has framed its struggle not only as a fight for sovereignty but also as a battle for European values — democracy, freedom, and rule of law. In his latest address, Zelenskyy reiterated that sentiment, declaring, “Ukraine has defended Europe with blood and courage. We are ready to become part of the European family — not someday, but this decade.”

The President’s remarks came just hours after the European Commission issued its annual enlargement report, which reviews the progress of countries seeking to join the EU. While acknowledging Kyiv’s reform efforts, the report cautioned that further progress was needed in tackling corruption and ensuring judicial independence.

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Brussels’ Delicate Balancing Act

The European Union has walked a fine line in its dealings with Ukraine — offering strong political and financial support while maintaining rigorous entry standards. EU officials have repeatedly stated that membership is not a symbolic gesture but a process requiring substantial institutional change.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s determination, saying, “Ukraine continues to show remarkable progress, even in wartime conditions. But reforms must continue, particularly in fighting corruption and strengthening governance.”

Several EU member states, particularly in Western Europe, are urging caution. They fear that fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession could strain EU institutions and budgets, given the country’s size and the ongoing war. However, Eastern European nations — including Poland and the Baltic states — strongly back Zelenskyy’s call for an accelerated path, viewing it as a geopolitical necessity in countering Russian aggression.

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Corruption: The Persistent Challenge

Despite major progress since 2014’s Maidan Revolution, corruption continues to plague Ukraine’s political and business sectors. Transparency International’s corruption perception index still ranks the country near the bottom among European nations.

The European Commission’s warning emphasized that anti-corruption agencies, while active, require stronger independence and enforcement powers. Several high-profile corruption cases involving local officials have shaken public confidence, even as Kyiv’s government works to demonstrate accountability.

In response, Zelenskyy has vowed to intensify anti-corruption efforts, declaring, “Corruption is our internal enemy — no less dangerous than the external one. It must be defeated completely if we are to join the European Union.”

Recent steps include digitalizing government services, strengthening procurement transparency, and introducing tougher penalties for public-sector bribery. However, Brussels insists that consistent implementation, not just policy announcements, will determine Ukraine’s readiness.

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The Road to 2030: Hope, Hurdles, and History

Ukraine officially applied for EU membership in February 2022, just days after Russia’s invasion. Within months, the country was granted candidate status, a move seen as both symbolic and strategic.

Still, the road ahead is steep. The accession process involves aligning thousands of laws and regulations with EU standards — a task that can take years. For comparison, Croatia took a decade to complete its membership process.

Yet Zelenskyy’s insistence on a 2030 deadline reflects both urgency and ambition. Many Ukrainians see EU membership not just as a political goal but as a guarantee of long-term stability and protection against Russian aggression.

“Our place is in Europe — not only in spirit, but in fact,” Zelenskyy said. “We will meet every requirement, every reform, every expectation. But we also ask Europe not to keep us waiting indefinitely.”

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Europe’s Response: Support with Conditions

Reactions from European capitals were mixed. France and Germany expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that Ukraine’s progress is undeniable, while reiterating that reforms must continue. Meanwhile, leaders from Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic have urged the EU to set a clear and credible timeline for accession.

The European Parliament also remains largely supportive. Several MEPs have called for the creation of “special pathways” for countries like Ukraine and Moldova — fast-track mechanisms that reward reform progress while maintaining accountability.

Analysts say such proposals could reshape how the EU handles enlargement altogether, especially as it faces pressure from aspiring members in the Western Balkans.

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More Than Politics: A Symbolic Step Toward the Future

For ordinary Ukrainians, EU membership symbolizes hope for a better future — one tied to democracy, prosperity, and the rule of law. Despite the devastation of war, public support for joining the EU remains above 85%, the highest in history.

Zelenskyy’s push is as much about national identity as it is about policy. By framing Ukraine’s struggle as a defense of European ideals, he continues to position the nation as an integral part of the continent’s story.

As one Kyiv resident put it in a television interview, “Europe talks about values. Ukraine has paid for those values with lives. We deserve to belong.”

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Looking Ahead

The coming months will determine how Europe and Ukraine navigate the intersection of reform and readiness. The EU’s next summit will likely address enlargement strategy, and Kyiv hopes to secure a formal commitment toward membership talks.

While challenges remain — from corruption to the ongoing war — one thing is clear: Ukraine’s European journey is no longer a dream but a determined mission.

Whether that mission concludes before 2030 will depend on both Kyiv’s reform momentum and Brussels’ political will. For Zelenskyy and millions of Ukrainians, however, the message is unwavering — Europe is not a choice; it is destiny.