Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured Tuesday that his country would be “part of the European Union” (EU), on the eve of the publication of a report on the state of progress made by Ukraine, which has the status of candidate.
“Tomorrow is an important day,” he said in his daily address to the nation, calling the upcoming report “historic.” The European executive must report on Wednesday on the state of progress made by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and decide on whether or not to open accession negotiations, before the 27 take up the matter. the question during a summit in Brussels in mid-December.
The EU granted Ukraine candidate status in June 2022
Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that his country is “already preparing the next steps”, in particular by “strengthening” its institutions. “Ukraine will be part of the European Union,” promised the president, referring to the “long road” already taken to get closer. However, he recalled that this would require “work” from the country to “adapt to EU standards”.
In June 2022, the EU granted Ukraine candidate status, in a highly symbolic gesture. To move on to the next stage, therefore the opening of accession negotiations, the European Commission has defined seven reference criteria for kyiv. These are conditions to be met, particularly in terms of the fight against widespread corruption and judicial reforms.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen judged in September that Ukraine had made “great progress” in this direction. She traveled to kyiv on Saturday to discuss EU enlargement with Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine will in any case have to be patient, because the negotiations may take time before leading to accession.