Spain insists on initiating talks for Ukraine's EU accession
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Spain supports Ukraine's European integration. Madrid insists on starting negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union, according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Sanchez hopes to start negotiations between the European Union and Ukraine before the end of Spain's presidency of the EU Council, which expires on December 31.
"I kicked off the Spanish presidency with a trip to Kyiv, and I hope to close it with the opening of accession negotiations with this country now that the European Commission’s report is known," Sanchez says at the European Parliament plenary session.
The Spanish Prime Minister emphasized that "the time has come for the EU to open its doors and integrate Ukraine, as well as Moldova and the countries of the West Balkans.”
The enlargement of the European Union and the accession of Ukraine and other candidates should be supported by all EU members.
EU leaders' summit
The EU leaders' summit will take place on December 14-15. It will discuss several issues related to Ukraine. In particular, the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, as well as the provision of €50 billion in economic support and another €20 billion for Ukraine's army. In addition, a new package of sanctions against Russia is on the agenda.
According to media reports, Hungary will block everything related to supporting Ukraine. Therefore, the summit may be delayed until December 16.
European media suggest that the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession may be postponed until March 2024 because of Hungary.
