Ukraine ready to open all six EU accession negotiation clusters, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and António Costa (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s European integration with European Council President António Costa, according to Zelenskyy's post.
"President of the European Council António Costa and I discussed our European integration. We are counting on the opening of all six negotiation clusters over the course of this and next month. Technically, Ukraine is fully ready," the head of state stressed.
Zelenskyy also thanked Costa for his support and personal efforts in unlocking a €90 billion loan.
"It is important that the funds begin to arrive as soon as possible and help Ukraine prepare for winter," the President said.
In addition, Zelenskyy and Costa discussed tightening sanctions against Russia. The President expressed gratitude for the EU’s 20th sanctions package and stressed that Ukraine expects increased pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet in the next package.
Ukraine’s EU accession
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said that Ukraine aims to join the European Union as early as 2027. However, in Brussels and other European capitals, such timelines are seen as overly optimistic.
In particular, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly stressed that Ukraine’s accession as early as next year is unrealistic. A similar skeptical position was voiced by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who opposed fast-tracking Ukraine’s entry into the bloc.
Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar also noted that due to the ongoing full-scale war, Ukraine will not be able to join the EU quickly.
In Brussels, officials emphasize the importance of meeting all necessary conditions for full membership. In particular, European Commissioner Marta Kos outlined a list of key requirements Ukraine’s government must meet at this stage.
At the same time, Western media point out that some EU countries are wary of further enlargement and have named specific states that do not support the idea of Ukraine’s rapid accession.
