Head of European Commission announces start of Ukraine's legislation screening

"In preparation for the accession talks, we are starting the screening process and finalizing the negotiation framework. Meanwhile, we will also start working on our own reforms," she said.

The head of the European Commission emphasized that this pertains to the expansion of the European Union to include 35 member countries.

She added that the EU has agreed to begin negotiations with Moldova, while Georgia has been granted candidate status for membership. Von der Leyen also underscored that Western Balkan countries are part of the European community.

"The hearts of millions of Ukrainians were filled with hope and joy when we announced the opening of accession negotiations. The Ukrainian people fought hard to achieve this goal. Not only on the battlefield, but also through the work of democratic institutions," said the President of the European Commission.

Negotiations for Ukraine's EU accession

On December 14, during the summit, European Union leaders approved the commencement of negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the bloc. This occurred amid concerns that Hungary might veto the decision.

EU leaders' negotiations lasted for over three hours, with the summit's start being delayed due to Budapest's position. At the time of the vote, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the room, so the decision was unanimously adopted.

For Ukraine to join the European Union, an assessment of Ukrainian legislation's compliance with EU legislation must take place.

Yesterday, on January 16, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They agreed to initiate the screening of Ukrainian legislation.

Earlier, Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that this procedure could take up to a year.