Ukraine pushes for EU membership talks by end of May
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's FM (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine hopes to fully launch negotiations on joining the European Union on May 26, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on May 12, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent Rikard Jozwiak and diplomatic source.
Jozwiak stated that Andrii Sybiha told foreign ministers he hopes negotiations on Ukraine's and Moldova's accession to the European Union will fully begin on May 26, with the opening of the first cluster of political chapters, while other clusters are expected "to follow soon."
Jozwiak wrote that this will most likely happen in mid-June.
An informed diplomatic source of RBC-Ukraine confirmed this information. Source noted that Ukraine is not simply hoping for the start of negotiations, but is actively working on it.
The day before, Andrii Sybiha traveled to Brussels to participate in a meeting of the EU Council, talks with NATO leadership, and a meeting of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children.
Ukraine's accession to the EU
Recently, Robert Fico sharply changed his position regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU. He now supports Ukraine joining the EU, and Slovakia is ready to facilitate this process.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is already ready to open all six negotiation clusters with the EU. Ukrainian leader discussed European integration with António Costa.
At the same time, officials in Brussels emphasized the importance of fulfilling all necessary conditions for Ukraine's full membership. In particular, European Commissioner Marta Kos outlined a list of key requirements currently facing Kyiv.
