Lithuania calls for immediate intergovernmental conference on Ukraine's EU accession
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingridas Šimonite (GettyImages)
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has called for an immediate intergovernmental conference on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
She made the remarks during a joint briefing with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, according to the Cabinet of Ministers.
"We have other steps to take. We must also negotiate Ukraine's EU membership and support further progress," Šimonytė said.
She added that Ukraine has made incredible progress in a very short period, even in the conditions of war.
"I assured the Prime Minister of Ukraine that Lithuania's position is more than clear. Official negotiations for convening the intergovernmental conference must start immediately," said the Prime Minister.
According to her, Lithuania already provides and is ready to enhance its support, including expertise, in future negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership, and to further support implementation and progress in reforms and strengthening Ukraine's administrative capacity.
Ukraine and the EU
On December 14 of the previous year, the European Council, during a summit in Brussels, supported the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Last year Ukraine acquired candidate status for EU accession. However, to become a member of the EU, it was necessary to meet 7 conditions.
Earlier, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that meeting two conditions is a very good result. She reminded that some Western Balkan countries spend years progressing to where Ukraine is now, and fulfilling one recommendation is practically a national celebration.
