European Commission supports launching Ukraine’s EU accession talks, EU must decide next
Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine has fulfilled its part of the work required to start accession talks with the European Union. Now, it is the EU's turn to act, states European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Commission supports launching the negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership.
"Under relentless fire, Ukraine is passing reform after reform. This is why the Commission defends the opening of the first cluster of negotiation. Ukraine has delivered – now we must too," the statement reads.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the accession process is based on merit, and Ukraine, in turn, deserves to move forward.
She also reaffirmed the EU’s strong support for Ukraine, both militarily and politically.
Specifically, the European Commission President announced that the EU has already allocated €1 billion to support Ukraine’s defense industry, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets. She added that the EU is ready to advance the remaining €11 billion from the G7 loan package, recognizing Ukraine’s urgent need for these funds.
“We are on track to reach our target of 2 million rounds of artillery for Ukraine in 2025. And we are ready to frontload the remaining €11 billion from G7 loans because we know how important it is now for Ukraine to ask for this money,” von der Leyen said.
On the political front, she stated that the EU will continue to pressure Russia to engage in serious dialogue, starting with a genuine ceasefire. To this end, the 18th sanctions package is being prepared and is expected to be approved soon.
Ukraine’s EU accession
On June 26 and 27, EU leaders gathered in Brussels for a summit focused on the bloc’s future.
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to speak at the summit. In his address, he called on EU countries to send a clear signal about Ukraine’s future membership.
Zelenskyy stressed that such a signal would be the official start of accession negotiations.
“A clear political statement is now needed to confirm that Ukraine is firmly on the European path and that Europe keeps its promises. Any delay by Europe at this stage could set a global precedent — a reason to doubt Europe's words and commitments,” the president said.
As already known, after the first day of the summit, all EU countries except one expressed readiness to continue long-term financial support for Ukraine.
However, Hungary opposed this decision. This means the opening of the first negotiation cluster will be delayed until Budapest changes its stance.
