European ministers to meet in Lviv in December to discuss Ukraine's EU path
Photo: Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
An informal meeting of European Union ministers will take place in Lviv on December 10–11 to discuss Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership, Politico reports.
It is reported that the invitations were jointly sent by Denmark, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka.
"The main focus of our discussions will be Ukraine’s progress on its path to EU membership. The meeting will provide an opportunity to take stock of the results achieved, to share reflections on the next steps, and to reaffirm political support for Ukraine’s reform and integration efforts," the invitation says.
The meeting of EU ministers is also expected to send a "clear and united political message that the future of Ukraine lies within the EU."
Ukraine’s EU accession
On November 4, the European Commission published its report as part of the EU Enlargement Package, praising Ukraine’s progress on reforms and giving one of the highest ratings.
At the same time, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the Commission is working to open accession negotiation clusters for Ukraine and Moldova by the end of November.
The only reason the clusters have not yet been opened is Hungary's pro-Russia stance, which is blocking Ukraine's EU accession.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, stated that completing EU accession negotiations by 2028 is entirely realistic for Ukraine. According to the European Commission, the pace of reforms makes this achievable.
