Government sets date for important decision on Ukraine's EU accession

"The next political decision, which will require consensus among EU member states, will happen in the second half of June. This decision concerns the approval of the negotiating framework and the first intergovernmental conference, which officially launches the negotiation process at the level of negotiating teams," she said.

According to her, Ukraine is preparing for it and the first advanced delegation from the EU was in Ukraine literally these days. "We have an understanding of how to proceed. Currently, we are trying to navigate certain sensitive areas and not to create opportunities for speculation about Ukraine. This is essentially the tactic of European countries that want to leverage, for example, other countries at Ukraine's expense, or to gain some benefits for themselves. We are closely monitoring the situation and reacting where necessary," she said.

Stefanishyna also added that Ukraine has a clear majority among EU leaders, including the Belgian presidency, which is preparing to adopt a decision in June.

"The active phase of preparation will begin in the second half of May, and then we will see more clearly who is radically inclined, for example, like Prime Minister Orban in December. But we are already laying out our plans to counteract such negative consequences or positions," she said.

Ukraine's EU accession process

In December 2023, the leaders of EU member states at a summit in Brussels approved the start of negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Negotiations for Ukraine's EU accession have not yet begun, as screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU requirements is currently underway, and a negotiating framework is being formed.

The European Commission has already approved a negotiating framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

According to the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Kateryna Maternova, negotiations could start in the spring.