Ukraine's president pushes for urgent EU membership talks by end of the year

In his daily address published on social media, Zelensky recalled that the EU Foreign Affairs Council had an informal meeting in Kyiv on Monday, marking the first time the council has convened outside of the European Union territory.

-"Ukraine's membership in the EU is only a matter of time. This meeting practically took place within the context of the EU. Undeniably, our nation takes the lead in upholding the values that constitute the foundation of European unity, that is, freedom, equality of nations, and international law," expressed the President of Ukraine.

He underlined that Monday's conversation concentrated on the "full integration of Ukraine into the EU".

-"In this context, our primary goal is to commence membership discussions late this year. During today's meeting with the Foreign Affairs Council, I was reassured that this is indeed feasible," stated Zelensky.

He confirmed that the government in Kyiv is committed to implementing seven recommendations from the European Commission, the fulfillment of which is a prerequisite for initiating formal membership conversations. They include judicial reform and fighting corruption, among other things.

Zelensky also called upon all EU nations to exhibit the "political readiness" necessary to consent to begin negotiations with Ukraine.

On February 28, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an official application to join the European Union. "I am confident it is feasible," he asserted. Three days later, leaders of Georgia and Moldova also submitted their EU membership applications.

Achieving candidate status signifies the initial stage towards a country's EU admission. The member states will make the final judgment on this issue.

Source: Ukrinform