Main points
- The EU plans to start membership negotiations with Ukraine before the end of the Cyprus presidency in June, opening the first cluster.
- The change of power in Hungary led to positive developments in the European integration of Ukraine, which continued technical preparations.
Marta Kos commented on Ukraine's accession to the EU / Photo: Getty Images
The European Union is considering opening the first negotiating cluster on Ukraine's accession before the end of Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the EU at the end of June.
This was stated by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Cos before the meeting of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers in Brussels on May 11, Radio Liberty reports.
What does the European Commission say about negotiations with Ukraine?
Marta Kos noted that in the future, the European Union may also open other clusters for Ukraine.
I will call on all Member States to officially open all clusters as soon as possible. The first cluster can still be opened during the Cyprus Presidency, and for the remaining five clusters, we hope to do so in July,
– she said.
Kos noted that after the change of power in Hungary, positive signals appeared regarding Ukraine's European integration – previously, the negotiation process was blocked by the government of Viktor Orban, which made claims regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.
She specifically drew attention to the statement by the new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, about equal treatment for all candidate countries for EU accession.
The European Commissioner also emphasized that despite the blockade, Ukraine continued technical preparations for the opening of clusters.
We have done a lot of preparatory work, and now everything is ready for the official opening,
– added Kos.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also announced the emergence of a “new dynamic” in relations with Budapest after the change of government in Hungary. He expressed hope that this will contribute to Ukraine's progress on the path to full EU membership.
How does Zelensky comment on European integration?
On May 4, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Council President Antonio Costa to discuss Ukraine's further progress on its path to EU membership.
The President of Ukraine stated that he expects to open six negotiation clusters this month and next month and emphasized that Kyiv is fully ready for this from a technical point of view.
During the meeting, Zelensky also thanked Kosty for his support for Ukraine and his role in unlocking the EU's €90 billion financial assistance package.
Meanwhile, political scientist Vadym Denysenko stated on Channel 24 that Ukraine should not count on quick full membership. According to him, the issue of accession now rests not with Budapest, but with the position of France and Germany, which directly speak about the absence of a quick scenario. In such a situation, the expert noted, the Hungarians may do nothing at all, because the decision of Paris and Berlin is already enough.