Zelensky expects decision on Ukraine's EU membership talks to be made this year
As the press service of the Head of State informs, Zelensky said this during a meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen within the framework of the Ukraine-Balkans Summit in Athens.
The parties assessed Ukraine's progress in implementing the seven recommendations of the European Commission and further steps in this direction.
"We aim to achieve maximum results in the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission. We expect a positive assessment in the report within the enlargement package in October and a decision of the EU member states to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union in 2023," the President of Ukraine said.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to von der Leyen for the efforts aimed at normalizing the export and transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.
"It is important to restore full-fledged duty-free trade between Ukraine and the EU and ensure free access of Ukrainian agricultural exports to the entire territory of the EU single market. I expect that on September 15, any restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products in the EU will be lifted," he emphasized.
The parties also discussed in detail alternative routes for the "grain corridor" after Russia's blocking of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Particular attention was paid to security and financial aspects, as well as ship insurance.
Zelensky thanked von der Leyen for the next tranche of assistance worth EUR 1.5 billion. The parties discussed the revision of the IMF program for Ukraine.
In addition, the parties coordinated positions on the Peace Formula and the preparation of the Global Peace Summit.
As reported, on June 23, 2022, Ukraine received EU candidate status. Ukraine must fulfill the seven requirements of the European Commission necessary to maintain candidate status. In the autumn of 2023, the European Commission should provide a report assessing Ukraine's fulfillment of seven requirements on the path to joining the EU.
Photo: OP
