Ukraine’s Achievements on the Path to European Integration

What progress has Ukraine made in its fight against corruption on the path to EU accession?

Published

20.08.2025

What progress has Ukraine made in its fight against corruption on the path to EU accession?

Combating corruption in Ukraine is a long-term effort, shaped by the legacy of the Soviet system. However, this struggle is strategic in nature, reflected in the establishment of a comprehensive anti-corruption infrastructure. Ukraine has also emerged as a global leader in developing digital tools to combat corruption, enhancing transparency and accountability among public officials. The issue remains at the forefront of public attention, with Ukrainian citizens demanding the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions. As a result of these efforts, Ukraine has made substantial progress in tackling corruption – progress that is recognized by numerous international indexes and organizations.

Upon gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine inherited a system where corruption was deeply embedded in state processes. The path to combating this phenomenon has been long (and continues to this day), leading to the creation of a comprehensive anti-corruption infrastructure, which is essential for upholding the rule of law and supporting Ukraine’s aspirations for European integration.

Since 2015, new anti-corruption agencies have gradually been established to create a comprehensive approach to preventing and combating corruption. These institutions are responsible for preventing, detecting, investigating, and exposing corruption offenses. They also oversee the administration of justice and the management of seized assets.

• The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) investigates corruption among top officials.
• The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) oversees the legality of NABU’s investigations and represents the prosecution in court.
• The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) delivers verdicts in top corruption cases.
• The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) is responsible for preventing corruption and implementing integrity policies.
• The Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) returns stolen assets to the state.

It is essential to note that Ukraine adopts a strategic approach to combating corruption. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has developed the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2021-2025 and the State Anti-Corruption Program for 2023–2025 (SACP). These documents have been approved by both the Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) and the Government, providing a comprehensive roadmap for all government bodies in their fight against corruption. The SAP consists of 1,146 measures targeting 15 high-risk areas for corruption. As of March 31, 2025, government bodies have fully or partially implemented 486 (42.4%) of the measures outlined in the SAP. Additionally, progress on the Anti-Corruption Strategy and SAP can be monitored by anyone through a dedicated link.

Additionally, Ukraine is among the global leaders in the development of digital anti-corruption solutions. The introduction of the Electronic Asset Declaration System was a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability among officials. Since 2016, public servants have been required to submit electronic declarations, which are published in the Unified State Register of Declarations of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP). This register has become the world’s largest database of officials’ assets, enabling the public and law enforcement agencies to monitor their income and property effectively.

The implementation of digital systems enhances transparency and accountability in government processes. The “Diia” unified portal for public services reduces citizens’ interactions with officials, which in turn minimizes the risks of corruption. Additionally, the ProZorro system promotes transparency and openness in public procurement. As a result of these and other tools, Ukraine has improved its position in the international Online Services Index, climbing from 102nd place in 2018 to 5th place in 2024. 

Furthermore, the use of digital tools helps the government save money by detecting inflated prices for goods and services and preventing the signing of potentially fraudulent contracts. These tools also help uncover discrepancies between the declared incomes of public officials and their actual lifestyles, facilitating civil confiscation of the assets through court proceedings, among other mechanisms. During the full-scale invasion, the economic and anti-corruption benefits of digitalization have already surpassed UAH 66 billion.

The independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions are crucial demands of Ukrainian citizens as well as Ukraine’s international partners. In July 2025, Ukrainians once again demonstrated their firm stance on anti-corruption issues during nationwide protests. Regarding international partners, the European Commission has incorporated anti-corruption measures into all negotiation chapters, a process referred to as “anti-corruption mainstreaming.” Ukraine’s progress in combating corruption is also embedded in a memorandum with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of specific structural benchmarks that must be met to qualify for financial assistance.

Ukraine’s progress in the fight against corruption is supported by various international indices and organizations. Notably, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index indicates that Ukraine has improved its ranking from 142nd place in 2014 to 105th in 2024. Additionally, an OECD report reveals that the incidence of everyday corruption experienced by Ukrainians has decreased significantly from 70% to 15% over the past seven years. This demonstrated progress challenges the narrative that portrays Ukraine as “the most corrupt country in the world.“

You can learn more about the specific changes in various areas of life on Ukraine’s path toward EU  integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

The material was developed in collaboration with Burson Ukraine.

What are Ukraine’s achievements in promoting gender equality on its path to European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has intensified its efforts to promote gender equality. As of August 2025, Ukraine has calculated the Gender Equality Index in line with European standards and approved the State Strategy for Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities of Women and Men for the period up to 2030, along with its implementation plan. The Strategy of Gender Equality in Education until 2030 has also been adopted. Laws have been enacted to combat gender-based discrimination in advertising and to ensure equal opportunities for mothers and fathers serving in the military with respect to childcare during special periods. The gender pay gap has decreased between 2019 and 2025, and further measures are planned to continue reducing this gap through 2030. Ukraine has also initiated work on the Platform to Ensure Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusion in Recovery.

Ukraine became the first non-EU, war-affected country to calculate the Gender Equality Index, enabling a comprehensive assessment of gender equality in line with European standards. The document formalized Ukraine’s results in this area and laid the foundation for the further development of state policies, recovery plans, and strategies with a gender-sensitive approach.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

Ukraine has also developed a solid legal framework in the area of general equality. In December 2022, the State Strategy for Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities of Women and Men for the period up to 2030, along with its implementation plan, was adopted. The Strategy of Gender Equality in Education until 2030 was approved for its implementation. Laws have been enacted to combat gender-based discrimination in advertising and to ensure equal opportunities for mothers and fathers serving in the military with respect to childcare during special periods. Additionally, a bill proposing amendments to the law of Ukraine on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men has been drafted.

The gender pay gap in Ukraine decreased by 7.4 percentage points, reaching approximately 18.6% between 2019 and 2025. However, unfortunately, this figure is still higher than in many EU countries. In response, in September 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted the National Strategy for Closing the Gender Pay Gap, with the target of reducing it to 13.6% by 2030.

In September 2023, the Platform to Ensure Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusion in Recovery was launched, serving as an advisory body under the Commission for Coordination of Interaction of Executive Agencies on Ensuring Equal Rights for Women and Men. A year later, the Alliance for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Recovery was founded at the initiative of the government, international organizations, civil society, and the business community to coordinate the work of all stakeholders.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward  European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

What are Ukraine’s achievements in combating domestic violence on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

As of August 2025, Ukraine has ratified the Istanbul Convention and adopted the law on amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences in line with this ratification, as well as the law on the improvement of the mechanism to prevent and counteract domestic and gender-based violence. The State Program on the Prevention and Combating Domestic and Gender-Based Violence is currently being developed. Additionally, a mobile application has been launched to respond to incidents of domestic and gender-based violence, supported by a network of rapid-response social and psychological assistance teams.

On June 20, 2022, Ukraine ratified the Istanbul Convention, a framework document which in fact demonstrates the alignment of national approaches to the detection and response to violence against women and domestic violence with European standards.

Following the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, relevant legal amendments have been introduced in Ukraine. The law on amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences in line with the ratification of the Istanbul Convention (3733-IX), as well as the law on amendments to some legal acts of Ukraine on the improvement of the mechanism to prevent and counteract domestic and gender-based violence (4073-IX) have been adopted. The State Program on the Prevention and Combating Domestic and Gender-Based Violence for 2026-2030 is currently under development.

In addition, a network of rapid-response social and psychological assistance teams has been developed in Ukraine to respond the cases of violence, inform victims about available medical, legal, and other support services, as well as on the providers of such services. A mobile application has also been launched to respond to incidents of domestic and gender-based violence.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here,  here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

What are Ukraine’s achievements in supporting victims of war-related violence?

Published

23.08.2025

Ukraine began strengthening state mechanisms to support victims of all types of violence on its path toward the EU long before the full-scale war. In particular, the Framework of Cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the UN on the Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence was approved, along with its implementation plan for 2022-2025. A follow-up plan for 2026-2027 is currently under development. In 2025, Ukraine took up the chair of the Global Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict. Ukraine has also adopted the law on accounting information about damage caused to non-property rights of individuals as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the law on the status of persons who have suffered sexual violence due to the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and urgent interim reparations. In May 2023, the Council of Europe created the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) to document war-related damage and create an evidence base for future claims for compensation from individuals, enterprises, and the Ukrainian government. A platform with all assistance projects has been launched to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Even before the full-scale invasion, the Framework of Cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the UN on the Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) was signed. To implement its provisions, an Implementation Plan for 2022-2025 was developed, which formed an effective and transparent system for combating CRSV. An Interagency Working Group on Combating CRSV was also established for the implementation of this plan. The first phase of the Pilot Project on Providing Urgent Interim Reparations to CRSV Victims was implemented.

In 2025, a new Implementation Plan for 2026-2027 is being developed to continue the implementation of the Framework of Cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the UN on the Prevention and Response to CRSV. Also in 2025, Ukraine assumed the chairmanship of the Global Alliance to Prevent Sexual Violence in Conflict.

In 2020, the National Action Plan 1325 “Women, Peace, Security” was also adopted. In 2022, it was updated to include provisions on combating and preventing CRSV, as well as the need to ensure women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making at all levels. However, the second National Action Plan 1325 ends in 2025, so the government is now actively working on developing a third National Action Plan 1325 until 2030.

In addition, Ukraine has adopted the law on accounting information about damage caused to non-property rights of individuals as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (4071-IX) and the law on the status of persons who have suffered sexual violence due to the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and urgent interim reparations (4067-IX).

In May 2023, the Council of Europe created the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) to document war-related damage and create an evidence base for future claims for compensation from individuals, enterprises, and the Ukrainian government. The register collects claims for compensation for damage, loss or harm caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, starting from February 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and is the first step of an international compensation mechanism. In March 2025, RD4U began accepting applications for cases of CRSV as well.

Ukraine has launched a platform for helping survivors to conveniently and effectively search for support services for victims of war.

On the way to the EU, Ukraine began to strengthen state mechanisms for helping victims of all types of violence long before the start of the full-scale war. However, since February 24, 2022, the scale of war crimes committed by the Russian Federation has become so great that the need for comprehensive assistance to citizens who have survived the horrors of occupation has increased hundreds and thousands of times.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

What are Ukraine’s achievements at the regional level on its path to European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

One of the most successful European integration reforms in Ukraine is decentralization – the redistribution of power, functions, resources, and responsibilities from central executive bodies to local authorities, aimed at strengthening the role of local communities and ensuring greater public participation. As a result, 1,469 territorial communities have been established in Ukraine, and the reform is supported by 77% of the population. This reform has significantly improved the quality of administrative services through the establishment of 4,269 Administrative Service Centers. In addition, the law on international territorial cooperation has been adopted in Ukraine and its government has approved the State Program for the Development of International Territorial Cooperation. Ukraine has also joined two new interregional cooperation programs – Interreg Europe and URBACT.

A total of 1,469 territorial communities have been established in Ukraine, including 31 territorial communities in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. All of them have gained better financial capacities and broader powers to implement local initiatives and projects. The reform of local self-government and territorial organization of power (decentralization) has maintained a consistently high level of public support. In 2024, 77% of respondents said this reform should be further advanced to provide territorial communities with even greater authority and resources.

The quality of administrative services has significantly improved as a result of this reform, particularly through the establishment and digitalization of Administrative Service Centers. Ukraine’s network of Administrative Service Centers currently comprises 4,269 centers, including 2,638 remote and 1,287 permanent facilities. In 2024, these centers provided over 20 million services. They have become an important tool for aligning administrative services with European standards, enhancing transparency, accessibility, and quality of administrative services in line with EU norms.

Ukraine has adopted the law on international territorial cooperation and approved the State Program for the Development of International Territorial Cooperation, which will serve as the foundation for further state financial support for international territorial cooperation. As a result, territorial communities have gained additional functions at the local level and the authority to acquire necessary experience abroad.

Ukraine has also joined two new interregional cooperation programs – Interreg Europe and URBACT. As a result, an increasing number of Ukrainian regions are strengthening cooperation with partner countries and effectively using funding to implement joint projects under the Interreg initiative.

The decentralization reform is not yet complete and transformations continue. In particular, a number of specific tasks are planned within its framework, such as the reformatting of local state administrations into prefectural-type bodies; the restoration of the activities of local self-government bodies and executive power in the de-occupied territories; the delimitation of the powers of local self-government bodies and executive power according to the principle of subsidiarity; strengthening the financial capacity of local self-governments; creating mechanisms for involving residents in making management decisions on the ground, and developing forms of direct democracy. It is also planned to consolidate the results of the reform of local self-government and territorial organization of power in the Constitution of Ukraine. However, this will become possible only after the end of the war and the termination of the martial law regime.

It is important that the vision of decentralization was updated after 2022. Thus, it takes into account not only the requirements for Ukraine as a candidate for EU accession, but also the current challenges of a full-scale war.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

What are Ukraine’s trade achievements on its path to European integration

Published

23.08.2025

The process of Ukraine’s rapprochement with the European Union is ongoing, but the EU is already Ukraine’s largest trading partner. Trade volumes have more than doubled over the past ten years, and this growth continues. This is a mutually beneficial process: Ukrainian manufacturers have been able to export their products to the EU on preferential terms, and high-quality European goods have become more accessible to Ukrainians. In addition, the need to meet European standards also improves the quality of Ukrainian products for the domestic market.

In 2024, the share of trade in goods with the EU amounted to 53.8% of Ukraine’s total trade. Total trade between Ukraine and the EU reached EUR 67 billion and has more than doubled since the entry into force of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) in 2016.

In July 2025, Ukraine exported goods worth over $3.3 billion, including $1.9 billion to the European Union (+10.1% compared to June of this year). The largest buyers of Ukrainian products were Poland ($405.9 million), the Netherlands ($201.8 million), Germany ($199.8 million), Spain ($161.4 million), and Italy ($142.5 million).

This process is mutually beneficial as high-quality European goods have become more accessible to Ukrainians. Meanwhile, Ukrainian producers have the opportunity to export their products to the EU on preferential terms.

The requirement to meet European standards also contributes to a better quality of Ukrainian products for the domestic market, because Ukrainian producers have to compete with European ones. Currently, Ukraine is one of the leading agricultural exporters to the EU. However, Ukrainian manufacturers will enjoy even greater benefits when the agreement on the so-called “industrial visa-free regime” comes into effect. As soon as it is introduced, Ukraine will be able to export its industrial products to the European Union on the same terms that apply within the EU. The Ukrainian government is already actively preparing for the signing of such an agreement.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

What are Ukraine’s achievements in the energy sector on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

At the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine disconnected from the Russian power grids and instead joined the European ones. Today, Ukraine is connected to the European ENTSO-E power system and has synchronized power grids with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. In July 2025, the capacity of electricity exports from Ukraine to the EU reached a record level of 900 MW. And even during the Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants and power grids, Ukraine has shown itself as a reliable partner and neighbor.

After the Russian invasion of Eastern Ukraine in 2014, Ukraine started a gradual movement towards “energy independence” – separation from Russian power grids. In 2017, Ukraine began its path to joining ENTSO-E (the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity). After the start of the full-scale invasion, this process accelerated rapidly. As a result, the decision to fully synchronize Ukraine with the continental European grid was approved by the ENTSO-E association of system operators on March 11, 2022. The physical operations to connect the power grids were carried out on March 16, which is record-breaking. Usually, when synchronizing two large power systems, there is a period of trial synchronous operation without commercial exchanges. Operators must make sure that the physical connection is safe. Ukraine became an exception, having received the right to export Ukrainian and import European electricity just three months after synchronization, namely from June 30, 2022.

Today, Ukraine is connected to the European ENTSO-E power system and has synchronized power grids with the following countries: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. In July 2025, the capacity of electricity exports from Ukraine to the EU reached a record level of 900 MW.

Even during targeted Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, Ukraine proved itself to be a reliable neighbor and partner, and Ukrainian power engineers were able to maintain the integrity of the energy system.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

What are Ukraine’s achievements in digitalization on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

Today, Ukraine is one of the leaders among European countries in the field of digitalization, ranking fifth in the world in terms of the level of development of digital public services according to the E-Government Development Index in 2024. Ukraine has launched Diia, a portal and application for receiving administrative services. The country became the first outside the EU whose electronic signatures and seals are recognized in EU countries. Ukraine has joined the Digital Europe Program, and from the beginning of 2026, Ukraine will join Roam Like at Home area, the EU’s single roaming zone.

The portal and application Diia improve the lives of Ukrainian citizens and bring them closer to European well-being. In this way, the Digital Transformation Ministry is gradually transforming Ukraine into a country with a European level of public services.

Ukraine became the first non-EU country whose electronic signatures and seals are recognized across the EU. Ukrainians can now use Diia.Signature to sign European documents.

Ukraine has joined the Digital Europe Program until 2027, which is focused on four key areas of support: high-performance computing; artificial intelligence, data and cloud services; digital skills; use of digital technologies in the economy and society.

Ukraine is actively integrating into the single digital space of the European Union. In particular, from the beginning of 2026, Ukraine will join the Roam Like at Home single roaming area. Ukrainians will be able to make calls, send SMS and use mobile Internet while traveling in the 27 EU member states, at the tariffs of their home (Ukrainian) operator, without additional cost. A similar approach will apply to subscribers of European operators in Ukraine.

Digital transformation is an integral component of European integration and one of the priorities of the Ukrainian government. The EU’s support allows Ukraine to accelerate the development of e-government.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

What are Ukraine’s achievements in the defense industry on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

Ukraine and the EU began to transform their defense sectors jointly and synchronously even before the start of a full-scale war. Ukraine participated in EU operations, for example, in EU NAVFOR Atlanta, an anti-piracy naval operation off the coast of Somalia in 2008. An advisory mission to reform the civilian security sector – EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM) – operates in Ukraine. Thanks to EUAM, almost 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained in the EU. In March 2025, the European Commission presented the White Paper for European Defense – Readiness 2030, which, among other things, outlines the plans to strengthen military support for Ukraine, involve Ukraine in EU initiatives aimed at developing defense capabilities, and integrate Ukraine’s defense industry into the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base.

Even before the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine and the EU actively cooperated in the development of border infrastructure. Ukraine has also repeatedly participated in EU operations, for example, in EU NAVFOR Atlanta – an anti-piracy naval operation of the European Union, which began on December 8, 2008 off the coast of Somalia. The priority of the operation was to protect ships in the surrounding waters from Somali pirates. This is the first coordinated operation of the European Union at sea.

When Russia invaded Eastern Ukraine, the European Union created an advisory mission for the reform of the civilian security sector – EU Advisory Mission Ukraine, also known as EUAM. This mission provides strategic advice and practical support for specific measures necessary for the implementation of reforms in line with EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights. Thanks to EUAM, almost 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained in the EU.

In addition, after the full-scale invasion, the EU began using the European Peace Facility (EPF), an instrument designed to strengthen the bloc’s ability to prevent conflicts and strengthen international security and stability, to provide timely and sustained military assistance to Ukraine.

Strengthening defense cooperation between Ukraine and the EU continues. On March 19, 2025, the European Commission presented the White Paper for European Defense – Readiness 2030, which, in particular, outlines the plans for further support for Ukraine in three areas:

1. strengthening military support for Ukraine and other types of assistance;
2. involving Ukraine in EU initiatives aimed at developing defense capabilities;
3. integrating Ukraine’s defense industry into the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base.

Ukraine and the EU began to transform their defense sectors jointly and synchronously even before the start of the full-scale war. But after the Russian invasion, security challenges have grown to the point where Ukraine has literally become Europe’s shield, and Europe is the main donor of security and financial assistance to Ukraine. Today, the security of all Europe depends on how the Russian-Ukrainian war unfolds.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

What are Ukraine’s education achievements on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

Ukraine is bringing higher education standards closer to EU norms and standards: more than 10,000 educational programs have already been accredited. Ukraine is also actively cooperating with the European educational space. In 2024, Ukraine ranked among the top three in terms of the number of partners involved in Erasmus+ projects, within which Ukrainian students and teachers participate in joint master’s programs, research projects, and trainings. Ukrainian universities coordinate ten capacity-building projects and 219 Jean Monnet projects (European studies).

Thirty-two higher education institutions have joined 18 European university alliances as associated participants. Fourteen projects with the participation of 65 organizations from Ukraine were recommended for funding as part of the Capacity Building in Higher Education projects.

Ukraine is bringing its higher education standards closer to EU norms, taking into account the ESG (Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area). As of October 2024, more than 10,000 educational programs were accredited in Ukraine in line with the ESG.

Ukraine actively cooperates with the European Education Area.

Together with more than 150 countries of the world, Ukraine is a partner country of the Erasmus+ program, which allows Ukrainian students and teachers to participate in joint master’s programs, research projects, and trainings. In 2024, Ukraine entered the top three in terms of the number of partners involved in projects.

Ukrainian universities coordinate ten capacity-building projects and 219 Jean Monnet projects (European studies).

Thirty-two higher education institutions have joined 18 alliances of European universities as associated participants. Fourteen projects involving 65 organizations from Ukraine were recommended for funding as part of the Capacity Building in Higher Education projects.

Ukraine also participates in the European Universities initiative, which includes joint curricula, multinational campuses, and exchange of practices. At least 30 Ukrainian universities have joined the initiatives of the European university alliances as associated partners.

Thus, in the field of education, Ukraine’s alignment with EU legislation involves not only technical harmonization but also a practical dimension – namely, investments in human capital.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

What are Ukraine’s achievements in science on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

Ukraine is actively integrating into the European Research Area, expanding its own involvement in joint EU programs and projects. Ukraine has associate membership in the following key EU programs: Horizon Europe, Euratom, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Ukraine is also integrated into European research networks and organizations: CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), and EUREKA (European Platform for International Cooperation in Innovation). Ukraine’s institutional achievements include the creation of the Horizon Europe Office on the basis of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine with EU funding and the inclusion of the Ukrainian Antarctic Station “Akademik Vernadsky” and the scientific icebreaker “Noosfera” in the international network of infrastructures for polar research through participation in this program.

Ukraine has become a member of the Horizon Europe framework program for research and innovation, as well as the Euratom (Euratom) research and training program and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program, which funds internships, exchanges, and joint doctoral programs. These memberships have strengthened international scientific and technical cooperation, fostered conditions for advanced research and commercialization of developments, supported the growth of the national innovation sector, and enhanced collaboration with European countries in defining priority areas of scientific and innovative research.

The Horizon Europe Office is already operating in Ukraine within the EU-funded National Research Foundation. This is the EU’s largest science and innovation funding program, with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion for 2021-2027. Thanks to this program, the Ukrainian Antarctic Station “Akademik Vernadsky” and the scientific icebreaker “Noosfera” have been integrated into the international network of infrastructures for polar research.

Ukraine is integrated into key European scientific initiatives and networks. In particular, it is a full member of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), which finances innovation and research networks, and of the EUREKA program, a leading open platform for international cooperation in the field of innovation. Ukraine also holds associate membership in the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which enables Ukrainian scientists to participate in the organization’s research, in particular in large international projects, including the Large Hadron Collider, etc.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

The infographic was created by the Strichka project team

What are Ukraine’s achievements in medicine on its path toward European integration?

Published

23.08.2025

In line with the Association Agreement, Ukraine has launched a healthcare reform and established the National Health Service of Ukraine as its main implementing body. The reform began with family medicine, and more than 31 million Ukrainians have already chosen a family doctor, therapist, or pediatrician for their children. In addition, a centralized eHealth system has been created and is successfully operating, digitizing interactions between patients, doctors, medical institutions, and the state.

Ukraine is actively integrating into the EU medical system by participating in key programs and initiatives, including EU4Health and the Joint Procurement Agreement. The Health Ministry of Ukraine takes part in the work of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) Board, while representatives of six Ukrainian pharmaceutical manufacturers are members of the Critical Medicine Alliance. Ukraine has also joined the European Reference Networks IT system, enabling the exchange of data and experience in the treatment of rare and complex diseases. In addition, TAIEX projects are being implemented to align Ukrainian legislation on medical devices, cosmetics, and biocides with EU standards.

In accordance with the Association Agreement, Ukraine launched a healthcare reform and established the National Health Service of Ukraine as its main implementing body. The reform began with family medicine (primary care), granting patients the right to freely choose their family doctor, therapist, or pediatrician and sign a declaration with them. These services are fully free for patients, as they are financed by the National Health Service. To date, more than 31 million Ukrainians have chosen a family doctor, therapist, or pediatrician for their children, with around 25,000 primary care specialists having received patient declarations. Following the successful implementation of the first stage, in 2020 the reform was extended to secondary (specialized) and tertiary (highly specialized) healthcare, including hospitals and medical centers.

Ukraine has developed and successfully operates an electronic eHealth system, a key component of healthcare reform. The system has digitized interactions between patients, doctors, medical institutions, and the state, making them more transparent and efficient. It also enables the National Health Service of Ukraine to monitor the effective use of state funds allocated under the medical guarantees program and to prevent misuse.

Ukraine participates in the following key European programs and funding:

• EU4Health: Ukraine became a member of this program in 2022. Its budget is EUR 5.3 billion for 2021-2027. Thanks to this program, Ukrainian authorities, non-governmental organizations, as well as small and medium-sized businesses can receive funding for projects aimed at improving healthcare, on a par with colleagues from EU countries, Norway and Iceland.
• Joint Procurement Agreement: Ukraine has joined this agreement, allowing it to participate in joint procurement of medical protective equipment and devices.

Ukraine also actively cooperates with European institutions:

• HERA Board: The Health Ministry of Ukraine takes part in the work of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority.
• Critical Medicine Alliance: Representatives of six Ukrainian pharmaceutical manufacturers have been included in this Alliance, which shows the recognition and integration of the Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry.
• European Reference Networks: Ukraine has joined this IT system, which allows for the exchange of data and experience in the treatment of rare and complex diseases.
• Cooperation with EU agencies: Ukraine is integrated into the EU healthcare system through cooperation with many key agencies and directorates, including:

• DG SANTE (Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety);
• HERA (Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority);
• EMA (European Medicines Agency);
• ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).

Standards implementation projects are underway in Ukraine:

• TAIEX projects: The European Commission has launched three TAIEX projects aimed at aligning Ukrainian legislation in the areas of medical devices, cosmetics, and biocides with EU standards.
• Twinning projects: The European Commission has agreed on two Twinning projects that will contribute to the establishment of a research and innovation office in Ukraine and to strengthening the response to cross-border threats.

Ukraine is actively implementing healthcare reform and integrating into the EU healthcare system, participating in important programs and initiatives. This allows the Ukrainian healthcare system to meet European standards and receive financial and expert support.

You can learn more about changes in various fields of life in Ukraine on its path toward European integration here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

This text was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.