Ukraine calls for the opening of negotiations to enter the EU this year

BRUSELAS, 2 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, has demanded this Thursday that the European Union open negotiations during 2023 to continue taking steps towards joining the bloc, insisting that "mentally" Ukraine and Europe are already united.

In his speech before the fifteen members of the European Commission who have traveled to kyiv to discuss Ukraine's progress in accession face-to-face, Zelenski has set the deadline for this year for the bloc to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. "What is the goal? I want to make it very clear: this year should be the time when there are no obstacles left for the start of negotiations on Ukraine's full membership of the EU," he assured.

Zelensky has insisted that Ukraine and Europe are united and kyiv is a 'de facto' member of the European Union. "It is no longer possible to imagine a united Europe, a united European society without Ukraine", he stated, but stressed that now "the key step" is the start of accession negotiations.

"I hope we can announce this important step very soon," he said. In this sense, the Ukrainian leader has ensured that his country is advancing on the reform agenda at the same speed that was used for the membership application and now awaits "important decisions in spring", referring to the report that Brussels will present on the progress of Ukraine on the Community path.

Brussels and the 27 have so far taken unprecedented steps to bring Ukraine closer to the EU, granting it candidate status in record time. Now the opening of negotiations will depend on a positive opinion from the European Executive and the unanimous decision of the Member States.