In the end of 2025, progress on Ukraine’s reforms showed mixed results. While there was some improvement in certain areas, others slowed down or even raised concerns.
Rule of Law
Progress in judicial reform remained weak, and there was no movement on key priorities identified by the European Union. One concern is the Supreme Court reviewing cases of previously dismissed judges. If the Court reinstates them, it could allow other judges removed during reforms to return, potentially undoing years of progress. There are also concerns about a parliamentary commission that has been putting pressure on anti-corruption institutions, which puts their independence into question.
Trade and Customs
There was modest improvement in trade and customs. Some legislative changes were adopted, which positively affected the overall score. However, there were no new reform plans announced, and implementation progress remained steady, but slow.
Digital Transformation
Digital reforms showed noticeable progress. A new law regulating electronic communications was adopted, which helped improve Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards. At the same time, no new digital reform laws were introduced. Implementation is improving gradually, and experts view developments cautiously but positively.
Social Policy and Employment
This area saw steady improvement. New draft laws aim to improve accessibility of services for people with disabilities and strengthen social support for families. Ukraine is also preparing to join the European Employment Services network, which could strengthen cooperation with EU labor institutions. Overall, implementation and reform direction improved compared to previous months.
Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy
Progress in entrepreneurship and industrial policy continued to slow down. No new laws or reform plans were introduced. While there were discussions about integrating Ukraine’s defense industry into EU supply chains, overall reform speed in this sector remains weak.
Transport
Reform momentum in transport declined in the end of 2025. Legislative activity slowed, and no new reform plans were announced. Although implementation of previously adopted measures improved slightly, the lack of new initiatives reduced overall progress.
UAEUMeter analyses Ukraine’s accession path in 6 areas on a monthly basis. It is implemented by Bendukidze Free Market Center and the Institute of Economic Research and Political Consulting.
Prepared by the project team
Here is the latest reform update from Ukraine, based on the latest available findings of the Monitoring Ukraine’s Accession into the EU project (UAEUMeter).
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