Brussels dials up pressure on Kyiv to speed up reforms amid budget crunch

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Published: 2026-09-25T05:04:23.476Z • Permanent link

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has come under intense pressure from Brussels to accelerate his government's efforts to implement critical reforms, as the European Commission warns that the country's slow pace is threatening to derail its access to vital financial assistance. The European Union has long been a key backer of Ukraine's bid to join the bloc, and has provided billions of dollars in aid to help the country rebuild its economy after the Russian invasion in 2022.

Shmyhal has been under pressure from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deliver on his government's promises to implement reforms aimed at strengthening Ukraine's institutions, improving its business environment, and reducing corruption. Von der Leyen has warned that Ukraine's slow progress is causing concern among EU leaders, who are worried that the country may not be able to meet the conditions for membership. The Commission has identified several key areas where reforms are needed, including the establishment of an independent judiciary, the reform of the tax code, and the improvement of public procurement practices.

Ukraine's slow pace of reform has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's deep-seated institutional weaknesses, the ongoing conflict with Russia, and the challenges of implementing complex reforms in a short timeframe. However, EU officials argue that the benefits of reform are clear, and that Ukraine's membership is a key priority for the bloc. The Commission has pledged to continue providing support to Ukraine, but has warned that the country's slow progress is causing concern among EU leaders.

Ukraine's slow pace of reform has significant implications for the country's access to financial assistance from the EU and other international institutions. The European Commission has warned that Ukraine's failure to implement key reforms is threatening to derail its access to critical funding, which is needed to support the country's economic recovery and rebuild its infrastructure. The consequences of this could be severe, with potential impacts on the livelihoods of millions of Ukrainians who rely on aid to survive.

The slow pace of reform has also significant implications for Ukraine's research and development community, which relies heavily on EU funding to support its work. The Commission has pledged to continue providing support to Ukraine's research sector, but has warned that the country's slow progress is causing concern among EU officials. The consequences of this could be severe, with potential impacts on Ukraine's ability to develop new technologies and innovate in key areas such as space exploration and renewable energy.

Ukraine's slow pace of reform is part of a broader pattern of institutional weakness in the country, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Russia. The conflict has caused significant disruption to Ukraine's economy and institutions, and has led to a decline in trust in the government and the rule of law. The Commission has warned that Ukraine's slow pace of reform is part of a larger trend of institutional weakness in the country, which is threatening to undermine its ability to rebuild its economy and recover from the conflict.