Zelenskyy urges EU to lift 'artificial blockade' and open negotiation clusters for Ukraine
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European Union countries to lift the artificial blockade and open negotiation clusters on Ukraine’s accession, the head of state said this in his address to the participants of the European Council meeting.
"For more than 6 months, progress on the clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession talks has been blocked. This is not fair – and it’s not good for all of us and for Europe, and for Ukraine," he emphasized.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has done everything necessary to open the clusters on time.
"The blockage is artificial, and we need to find a way to move forward. EU enlargement means more stability in Europe. It’s also part of our shared defense – part of Europe’s geopolitical security," he said.
The Ukrainian leader called on EU countries to find a way to ensure that "the EU keeps its promises, just like Ukraine is keeping its own."
Ukraine’s accession to the EU
EU Commissioner Marta Kos recently visited Ukraine to conduct a legislative screening as part of the next steps toward EU membership.
According to media forecasts, Ukraine’s EU accession talks could begin in the spring of 2026. The tentative date is linked to the parliamentary elections in Hungary, which have been blocking Ukraine’s European integration.
The European Council decided to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine in December 2023.
Recently, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will definitely join the European Union despite Hungary’s position.
The EU is considering moving toward decisions on Ukraine’s accession based not on unanimity, but on a majority vote, which would allow it to bypass Hungary’s veto.
