EU Enlargement Forum: Ukraine’s Progress and Prospects for EU Membership

On 18 November 2025, during the EU Enlargement Forum in Brussels, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Gediminas Navickas, met with students and faculty of the Institute of International Relations.

In his speech, Mr. Navickas highlighted the unprecedented progress demonstrated by Ukraine — progress unmatched by any previous EU candidate. He emphasized that Ukraine’s active civil society, engaged youth, and independent media represent a valuable potential that some EU Member States themselves lack.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s diplomats, politicians, lawyers, and journalists who will help Ukraine cross the finish line on its path to the EU,” said Gediminas Navickas.

Key messages from the speech:

— Ukraine has every prerequisite to finalize EU accession negotiations by 2028 — a strong signal from the European Union

— Enlargement is primarily a political decision that requires unanimous support from all EU Member States. Some countries continue to block Ukraine’s accession, yet an active negotiation process is already underway

— It is crucial to maintain momentum, as it is Ukraine that has returned the enlargement agenda to the list of the EU’s key priorities

The event was also attended by the Young European Ambassadors in Ukraine.

National Coordinator Yaroslav Morozov emphasized that the Young European Ambassadors are actively running communication initiatives, promoting European values, and building a living bridge between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries.

About the EU Enlargement Forum

The EU Enlargement Forum in Brussels is a platform organized by the European Commission to discuss the future of EU enlargement.

The Forum brings together representatives of EU Member States, accession candidates, experts, youth, media, and civil society organizations.

Discussions focus on:

— the progress of reforms in candidate countries

— political decisions needed to open or finalize accession negotiations

— security and economic challenges

— the role of youth and society in the accession process

In addition to central events in Brussels, participating countries often hold national discussions, roundtables, and public events to engage citizens in dialogue on enlargement policies and their vision of future EU membership.