Ukrainian Prime Minister: Ukraine aims to start EU accession negotiations no later than June
Seeing no substantial obstacles, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine seeks to start negotiations on joining the EU no later than June this year.
As noted by Interfax-Ukraina, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine seeks to start negotiations on joining the European Union as soon as possible – no later than June this year, the Communications Department of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reported on Friday.
“We expect the EU to approve the negotiation framework for us without delay. We see no objective obstacles that could prevent this. All European countries are actively supporting us,” Shmyhal said.
He added that Ukraine has reliable partners in the EU who are ready to help and share their experience for the successful completion of the negotiation process.
In addition, the Prime Minister noted that Ukraine has done all the homework to start negotiations on joining the EU.
“The European Commission has confirmed that Ukraine has fulfilled all the conditions. We have demonstrated well-coordinated work. Today, the President announced a proposal to develop an infrastructure for European integration. This should include representatives from the government to communities who will work with European funds,” Shmyhal said.
He added that the Ukrainian government, for its part, is ready to help Ukrainian communities attract as much EU funding as possible. At the same time, the main problem is the ability of communities to prepare and present relevant projects.
“This should be a priority for communities. Because this year we have access to European funds. Ukraine has moved from the status of a candidate to the status of a ‘negotiator’. And this gives us additional opportunities,” the Prime Minister said.
Ukraine has applied for EU membership in February 2022 and was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. In December 2023, EU leaders decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine.
On Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership, high representative for EU foreign policy Josep Borrelll noted that Ukraine has been making steady progress in the matter.
“Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment and has made substantial progress on its EU path,” Borrelll said.
Furthermore, Borrelll argued that although Ukraine is not yet a member of the European Union, it is not possible to “dissociate the destiny of the Ukrainian people from that of the European Union”.
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