Ukraine has completed its preparations for the next phase of integration with the European Union, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The country is now looking forward to the commencement of the first negotiation clusters with EU partners.
In a statement shared via his official Telegram channel, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has adhered to the established timelines for the negotiation process. He noted that recent developments in neighboring Hungary have contributed positively to the situation.
“There is progress in our negotiations with the EU regarding Ukraine’s membership. We will have a clear schedule for moving forward in the talks, especially following the changes in Hungary,” Zelensky remarked.
The Ukrainian president expressed optimism about launching the negotiation clusters as early as June this year, with his team maintaining daily communication with EU representatives.
Zelensky pointed out that every positive update from Brussels is crucial for motivating the Ukrainian people, as it reaffirms the correctness of their chosen path and the support from international partners.
Earlier reports from Politico indicated that EU officials were anticipating a breakthrough regarding Ukraine’s membership. European diplomats noted that Hungary was prepared to reconsider its stance and lift objections to Ukraine’s EU application.
This shift could pave the way for the initiation of the first negotiation cluster, with official steps expected during an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg scheduled for June 15.
Subsequent media reports suggested that the EU is observing new progress in Ukraine’s euro-integration talks. Due to positive dynamics in consultations between Kyiv and Budapest, European officials are now considering the possibility of opening two negotiation clusters in June instead of just one.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Szijjarto later confirmed that Ukraine and Hungary had reached a comprehensive agreement regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. He highlighted that his team managed to resolve this issue in just three weeks, a feat that had eluded former Prime Minister Viktor Orban for a decade.
Ukraine has made significant strides in its EU integration efforts, with President Zelensky announcing readiness for upcoming negotiations. Positive developments in Hungary have further facilitated this progress, indicating a potential breakthrough in the membership application process.
Source: RBK-Ukraine