The key facts

  • Germany's Ambassador to the EU, Thomas Ossowski, called on Ukraine to fight corruption as an 'internal enemy'
  • The European Commission's annual report concluded that Ukraine has fallen behind Moldova in the matter of EU accession
  • According to the report, Chisinau could begin accession negotiations in 2028, while Kyiv — no earlier than 2029

Statement by the German Ambassador

Ukraine, alongside confronting its external enemy — Russia, should also fight an 'internal enemy': corruption, shortcomings in the rule of law, and sometimes in public administration. This was stated by Germany's Ambassador to the European Union, Thomas Ossowski, whose remarks were cited by Ukrinform; his statement was reported by Gazeta.Ru. According to the diplomat, in the external confrontation Ukraine 'has full solidarity and support.'

Context: falling behind Moldova

The statement came against the backdrop of conclusions from the European Commission's annual report, according to which Ukraine has fallen behind Moldova on the path to EU membership precisely because of insufficient efforts against corruption. Although both countries submitted their applications at the same time, the report estimates that Chisinau could begin accession negotiations in 2028, while Kyiv — no earlier than 2029. Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Action Center drew attention to the authorities' refusal to reform the SBU and to continued pressure on NABU. Earlier, the EU Ambassador also statedthat Ukraine needs to accelerate its EU integration reforms.