European Commission: Recognition of same-sex unions is a condition for Ukraine's accession to the EU

Ukraine’s accession to the European Union will depend, among other things, on the adoption of legislation ensuring legal recognition of same-sex unions. This requirement, put forward by the European Commission, is based on the need to bring Ukrainian legislation in line with European standards and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

According to Catholicnews, the EU has confirmed its intentions to get Kiev to adopt the relevant law. The statement was made by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Enlargement and Neighbourhood in response to an appeal by Ukrainian LGBT organizations.

The European Commission emphasized that as Ukraine moves towards EU accession, its legal framework should be in line with European standards enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. This includes respect for private and family life, as well as the prohibition of discrimination on any grounds, including against LGBTQ+ persons, which is in line with the LGBTQ+ Equality Strategy for 2026-2030.

The document also points to the need for Ukraine to adopt a law that would provide «legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples» in light of the European Court of Justice’s decision in the case of Maimulakhin and Markov v. Ukraine. Brussels expressed its intention to monitor the fulfillment of this commitment and readiness to discuss the draft of the new Civil Code with the Ukrainian authorities within the framework of working meetings.

We shall remind you that MP Inna Sovsun earlier warned about the potential danger for Ukraine to follow the undemocratic path of Georgia if the country does not immediately stand up for LGBT rights. According to her, the changes in the draft of the new Civil Code, which limit the concept of family to only opposite-sex couples, are a worrying sign that contradicts the requirements of the European Union.