Ukraine's Kuleba and EU's Borrell discuss 'four big decisions'
Josep Borrell and Dmytro Kuleba (twitter.com/DmytroKuleba)
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, discussed in Brussels with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, the preparation for a series of important decisions, according to Kuleba.
"Four big decisions are in the pipeline. The 12th EU sanctions package; the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery; the launch of Ukraine Facility; and above all, the EUCO December decision to open EU accession talks with Ukraine," he wrote.
Kuleba added, "We are working hand in hand with HR/VP on all of them."
He also expressed gratitude to Borrell for his leadership in mobilizing support for Ukraine.
The parties also discussed in detail Kuleba's proposal to create a pan-European Defense Industries Area with EU members, candidates, and like-minded countries "joining efforts in defense production."
12th package of sanctions against Russia
On November 15, the European Commission submitted proposals for the 12th package of sanctions against Russia to the EU Council. It proposes to introduce restrictive measures against more than 120 individuals and entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The EU also proposes new import and export bans, including Russian diamonds, as well as measures to counteract the circumvention of EU sanctions.
Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU
Recently, the European Commission published a report on the progress of Ukraine and other candidate countries on the path to the bloc. It decided to recommend starting accession talks with Ukraine but on the condition of implementing the reforms outlined in the report.
To open negotiations, the approval of all bloc's members is required. They may discuss that at the summit scheduled for December 14-15.
On November 28, the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament publicly supported the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
