European Commission recommends starting negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU

The European Commission has confirmed to EU ambassadors that Ukraine has fully implemented all four reform steps required to start formal accession negotiations with the EU.

As noted, Ukraine and Moldova are sufficiently ready for the formal start of EU accession negotiations.

The Commission confirmed to the EU ambassadors that Ukraine has fully implemented all four and Moldova all three reform steps required for the start of formal negotiations.

The European Commission noted that Ukraine meets the previously unfulfilled criteria – anti-corruption measures, restrictions on political lobbying, asset declaration rules for officials, and protection of minority languages.

Hungary, which will hold the EU presidency from July 1, is expected to oppose the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the bloc because of the situation with the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia.

Therefore, Belgium, which currently holds the EU presidency, hopes to reach unanimity and hold the first round of accession talks on June 25.

Earlier it was reported that the European Commission would provide a generally positive oral assessment of Ukraine’s implementation of the recommendations – the reforms necessary for EU membership.

In turn, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked for the positive assessment of Ukraine’s European integration progress.

“The EC’s conclusion states that Ukraine continues its systematic efforts to join the EU and has fulfilled all 4 additional reform steps. Now we expect our European partners to take the next step – to start negotiations on EU membership this month. The Ukrainian people are fighting every day for the right to be part of the European family in the war against the Russian aggressor,” he wrote.

Tags: Ukraine, EU