Overview
- The assessment praises Ukraine’s “remarkable engagement” during the war yet orders a rollback of recent pressure on anti‑corruption bodies and civil society.
- Officials say Kyiv must quicken high‑quality rule‑of‑law, judicial and decentralization reforms to keep its 2028 negotiating target credible.
- The report flags gaps in the independence and efficiency of courts, prosecutors and law enforcement, and urges tougher action against organized crime.
- Montenegro is named the most advanced candidate, with talks potentially closing in 2026 if reforms hold pace, with Albania possibly in 2027.
- Zelensky welcomes the findings, rejects any “second‑class” status, and urges Hungary not to block Ukraine as the EU considers stronger safeguard clauses for future accessions.