Sweden supports Ukraine’s path towards the EU

Shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine applied for EU membership and was granted candidate status in June of the same year. Since then, formal membership negotiations have been underway. Sweden is assisting Ukraine in its efforts to implement the necessary reforms and align with EU regulations, for example through initiatives within the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8), deepened political dialogue and cooperation within the EU.

Development assistance and reform support

Sweden has supported Ukraine’s closer ties with the EU for over a decade through development assistance. As part of this, Sweden actively supports Ukraine’s reform efforts and alignment with EU regulations in areas such as democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Ukraine. For example, Sweden has contributed to specific reforms on anti-corruption and due process.

Expert support in negotiating chapters

To become a member, Ukraine has to align with EU regulations within areas covered by the EU’s negotiating chapters. There are 35 chapters in total, each covering a specific area, for example the environment, trade or human rights. The EU regularly evaluates Ukraine’s progress within each area, and in its latest report the European Commission concluded that Ukraine is continuously making significant reform progress. 

Sweden currently supports Ukraine’s reform efforts in 28 of the 35 negotiating chapters. Sweden leads the EU working groups on the environment and gender equality in Kyiv and has many government agencies and organisations that can contribute to Ukraine’s EU accession through their own experience and knowledge. Within the framework of the Nordic-Baltic NB8 cooperation, during its Presidency, Sweden established a high-level group to provide expert support to Ukraine during its EU accession process. The group consists of advisers from the Nordic-Baltic countries with a high level of expertise and experience. The group, which is funded by Sweden, provides support and advice to Ukraine throughout its ongoing negotiations with the EU.

Through assistance in the negotiating chapters, Sweden has established itself as a key partner in Ukraine’s EU integration and ensured that its development assistance is in line with Ukraine’s own reform needs and European ambitions. 

Why is Ukraine’s EU membership important?

Support to Ukraine’s EU accession process is an important part of Sweden’s foreign and security policy. Integrating Ukraine into European structures contributes to stability in our own country and strengthens Europe’s resilience to external threats.

Historically, EU enlargement processes have promoted stable institutions and social reforms. Working closely with Ukraine on its EU accession process is thus a way to strengthen values such as democracy, due process and human rights. Ukraine also possesses significant resources – including critical raw materials and food supplies, in particular – and advanced technological know-how that can contribute to both Europe’s security and the EU’s independence.