Ukraine inches closer to joining the EU

GOOD NEWSEUEUEU has been thin on the ground for Ukraine of late. Its counter-offensive to kick out Russian troops has stalled, the fighting in Israel and Gaza has stolen some of the limelight it needs to keep money and arms flowing from allies, and the prospect of Trumpism rebooted in America feels ever more real. So a thumbs up from the that is on track in its journey towards joining the club will be a welcome fillip in Kyiv—even though it will be years before it actually becomes a member.On November 8th the European Commission in Brussels unveiled its annual assessment of how countries who aspire to become members are getting on with the reforms needed to do so. Eight are actively vying to join as well as Ukraine, including Georgia, Moldova and six countries in the western Balkans that have sought to join the for decades. (Turkey is nominally still a candidate country, but its accession talks have been placed on hold.) Ukraine is by far the biggest of the active applicants.