Ukraine expresses its readiness to start negotiations on joining the European Union. According to the ambassador of the European Union in Ukraine, Katarina Maternova, the start of such negotiations is expected in the second half of June. The unanimity of all EU members remains the main factor influencing the country's accession to the EU.
"This is definitely an important point that I always draw the attention of our Ukrainian partners to. Despite the individual interests of individual EU member states, they should be taken into account," she emphasized.
Maternova also expressed hope that negotiations between the EU and Ukraine, as well as Moldova, will begin at the end of June.
"The political signal was already sent in December last year. Ukraine has chosen the right path and is ready for negotiations," she added.
The need for Ukraine to join the EU and NATO was supported by five European countries in a joint statement last May.
In February, the European Commission determined the terms of providing framework conditions for accession negotiations, and in March, the negotiating framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU was approved.
Also in March, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, expressed readiness to start negotiations on joining the EU in the first half of this year.
In addition, it was reported that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had a telephone conversation with the head of the European Council, during which they discussed the next steps on the way to the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
