Today, the European Parliament votes on its annual report on Ukraine’s preparations for EU accession. The Socialists and Democrats continue to strongly support Ukraine’s efforts to become a member of the European Union and to prevail against Russian aggression.
The report acknowledges Ukraine’s remarkable progress towards EU membership despite Russia’s campaign of terror directed at civilian targets, while also highlighting the remaining work on the rule of law, anti-corruption, and public administration reform.
It also reflects key S&D priorities, including an explicit call on member states to find innovative accession pathways now; a ban on exports of all dual-use items to Russia, including alumina; calling out Russia’s disingenuous approach to peace as well as the US for falling for it; the need for continued work on the Reparations Loan; and stronger support for Ukraine’s air defence and long-range strike capabilities. Based on our proposal, the report also calls for the appointment of a European negotiator with a clear mandate to represent the EU’s strategic interests and help defend Ukraine in future peace talks.
Thijs Reuten, S&D negotiator on the report, said:
“This report presents a fair and balanced assessment of Ukraine's reform efforts. We recognise the progress, but also the challenges ahead. Ukraine must maintain its dedication and pace of reforms – especially in anti-corruption, judicial independence, and public procurement – to strengthen democracy, resilience, and improve everyday life for Ukrainians.
“However, to continue working towards its European future, Ukraine urgently needs military support for its defence today, credible guarantees for long-term security, and a fair and lasting peace.
“As we are debating and adopting this report, Russia continues to respond with terror, launching ballistic missiles and drones against residential areas and killing civilians. Europe cannot afford to hesitate. We must urgently strengthen Ukraine’s air defence, deliver long-range capabilities, implement a Sky Shield, tighten sanction implementation – including against Russia’s shadow fleet and maritime services – and step up humanitarian support.
“Ukraine’s accession is about Europe’s future security, with Ukraine becoming a net security provider. Ukraine has one of Europe’s most experienced armed forces and a defence sector that is driving innovation, from battlefield drones to AI-enabled military technologies.
“Ukraine deserves a clear and credible pathway to EU membership. Several countries have proposed ideas but member states need to move from non-paper to real action.”
S&D vice-president Kathleen Van Brempt, responsible for enlargement, said:
“We believe in Ukraine and in its future as a member of the European Union. Ukrainians are not only defending their own freedom and democracy – they are defending Europe’s as well. That is why our support must remain steadfast – politically, militarily, financially, and humanitarianly – until a just and lasting peace is achieved.
“At the same time, we must keep Ukraine’s European path open and credible. Reconstruction and accession must go hand in hand, delivering reforms that strengthen the rule of law, equality, and participatory governance. Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession should become a model for fair, sustainable, progressive reforms that strengthen social justice and improve people’s lives.”
