September 20, 16:38
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union will remain one of the priorities of her mandate. Von der Leyen will remain at the head of the European Commission for the next five years.
«“This is and will remain one of my priorities for the next term,” he said during a briefing in Kyiv on Friday, September 20.
Ursula von der Leyen noted that the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, which began on June 25, is «a big step forward.”
«Our aim now, with the consent of the EU Member States, is to start negotiations on the groups related to fundamental rights as soon as possible,” said the President of the European Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen also noted that Ukraine is moving towards EU membership quickly and efficiently.
«Opening of groups [раздел в переговорах]”The accession process is based on merit, it is a very complex and labour-intensive process, and I must say that I am deeply impressed by the high quality and speed with which Ukraine is moving forward,” said the President of the European Commission.
On 20 September, Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv for a visit. This is her eighth visit to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s accession to the EU
On 8 November 2023, the European Commission recommended opening negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU. On 14 December, the European Council supported with 26 votes the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership.
At the same time, the head of the European Council, Charles Michel, said that Ukraine could join the European Union in 2030.
On June 25, in Luxembourg, at an intergovernmental conference on negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, the official start of negotiations was announced.
On August 21, the Verkhovna Rada ratified the Rome Statute. Its ratification was one of the conditions of the Association Agreement signed by Ukraine with the EU.
