Ukraine ready to start EU membership talks, says Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held several high-level international calls today. They focused on support for Ukraine and its accession to the European Union, the president said in his evening address.
According to him, he spoke today with European Council President António Costa. Zelenskyy informed him about recent talks with the United States and related agreements with other European partners.
"We are thoroughly preparing for the negotiation process on Ukraine's accession. On our side, everything is ready to open the first clusters," the president said.
He also discussed this issue with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as Poland currently holds the EU presidency, and it is important that this presidency delivers meaningful results.
Zelenskyy also spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in particular about possible meeting formats and avenues for joint cooperation.
Ukraine's EU integration
In February 2022, just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine officially submitted its application to join the European Union. The EU later granted Ukraine candidate status and, in December 2023, formally approved the start of accession negotiations.
Ukraine continues to implement Brussels' recommendations to align with the European system.
According to Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of Ukraine's Parliament – the Verkhovna Rada – the legislature plans to pass EU-related legislation in an expedited manner.
Previously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine could be opened in early 2025, with other clusters potentially following throughout the year.
