Zelensky hopes EU will support EU membership perspective of Association Trio states

He said this in a joint press statement with the presidents of Moldova, Poland and Romania in Chisinau on Friday, August 27, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"On July 19, the presidents of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia launched a project [on the Association Trio] which should bring our countries closer to full membership in the EU. We expect Poland, Romania and our other partners, our friends - the EU member states – to support this initiative," Zelensky said.

He added that the next important step in this area should be the recognition of the European perspective of the Association Trio states, and, according to him, Ukraine has already begun respective work with each EU country separately.

In particular, Zelensky thanked Poland for being one of the first countries to support Ukraine in such a bilateral declaration.

"I very much hope that we will soon sign a similar declaration with the president of Romania," he said.

At the same time, Zelensky said that the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit should show the seriousness of the European Union's intentions in this matter.

In addition, the president noted that Ukraine is interested and ready to be an active participant in regional projects, especially the Three Seas Initiative.

"Ukraine's geographical location makes it a natural partner of this initiative. As a maritime state and an associate member of the EU, it will make it fully and more effective for the entire region," Zelensky said.

Zelensky is on a visit to Chisinau on Friday to attend events marking the 30th anniversary of Moldova's independence.

On July 19, the leaders of the Association Trio countries - Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova - met in Batumi with European Council President Charles Michel. In the declaration signed at the meeting, the parties stated that accession to the European Union is a goal that unites the three states. 

op