Significant negotiations between Ukraine and the European Union began in Luxembourg regarding the possibility of Ukraine's future accession to the European community. According to DW, the Ukrainian delegation, which consists of 13 people, is headed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliya Stefanishyna.
On behalf of the European Union, the ministers of all 27 countries are participating in the conference, the delegation is led by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, which presides over the Council of the EU, Haja Lahbib.
"The negotiations we are starting today will be tough and time-consuming. We are confident in your ability to bring them to a successful conclusion with determination and dedication," she said, opening the conference.
Presumably, the preparation process for the main part of the negotiations: screening will begin in July. These will be bilateral meetings, during which Ukraine will present the level of approximation of its legislation to EU law under 35 negotiating chapters.
Usually, this process lasts at least a year, but with Ukraine and Moldova it can end even earlier, said a high-ranking EU official at a previous briefing in Brussels. After the screening, the parties will start the first block of negotiations.
