EU accession: Stefanishyna says Ukraine ready to open three negotiation clusters

18.02.2025 16:22

Ukrinform

Kyiv aims to launch three negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the European Union during Poland's presidency of the EU Council. Any obstruction of this process would indicate that Europe is "shirking its responsibility for security on its own continent."

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice, Olha Stefanishyna, said this in comments to Ukrinform.

"We are ready to open three clusters [during Poland's presidency]. Our teams are working, and over 1,500 Ukrainian civil servants are involved in the negotiation process. From our side, we are fully prepared," Stefanishyna said.

She added that Ukraine expects to open the first negotiation cluster, "Fundamentals," in April.

According to Stefanishyna, the decision to advance negotiations is now "more important than ever," as any delay or blockade "would indicate that Europe is shirking its responsibility for security on its own continent."

"I am confident that the Polish government and the European Commission understand the urgency of these decisions. Ukraine, as always, is not creating any obstacles to this process, including in bilateral relations," Stefanishyna said.

She also noted that holding an EU-Ukraine summit during Poland's presidency is a "very realistic" possibility.