Zelensky hails approval of negotiating framework for launch of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the Council of the European Union and the Belgian Presidency of the EU for the approval of the negotiating framework necessary for the launch of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine.

The head of state announced this on X, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, 27 EU member states approved the negotiating framework necessary to begin EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. I am grateful to the EU Council and the Belgian Presidency for their robust political will. We look forward to next week, June 25th, when Ukraine and the EU are set to hold their first intergovernmental conference, effectively starting the negotiations process," Zelensky said.

He noted that the negotiating framework had also been approved for Moldova.

"We congratulate our Moldovan friends on this significant step toward our shared European future. We will make the EU stronger together," Zelensky said.

He also thanked everyone on his team who worked hard to make this historic step a reality.

"Millions of Ukrainians, and indeed generations of our people, are realizing their European dream. Ukraine is returning to Europe, where it has belonged for centuries, as a full-fledged member of the European community," Zelensky said.

On June 21, the Council of the European Union adopted the general EU positions, including negotiating frameworks, for accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the Belgian Presidency of the EU announced on X.

"This opens the way for launching the negotiations on Tuesday, June 25, in Luxembourg," the Belgian Presidency said.