Kachka: Completing EU accession negotiations by 2028 realistic goal
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, believes that completing negotiations on joining the European Union in 2028 is a realistic goal.
"This is the main conclusion from the presentation of the Enlargement Report. The level of preparation and pace of reforms allow us to achieve this – this is the assessment of the European Commission. Our joint efforts are yielding results," Kachka wrote on Facebook.
He noted that the report contains recommendations in each area of negotiations, but this is only a small visible part of the negotiation process.
"This year, we completed the screenings. As a result, we have hundreds of pages of reports, negotiating positions, and roadmaps with even more actions. By the end of the year, all of these documents will be consolidated into the National Program of Adoption of Acquis, and essentially a weekly monitoring plan for our implementation of all actions by the European Commission. The lion's share of this work involves legislative acts of the Verkhovna Rada and the government and the development of institutions (especially in terms of the rule of law)," Kachka explained, noting that with the coordinated work of the Verkhovna Rada and the government, everything can be accomplished by the end of 2027.
In parallel, it is also necessary to conduct actual negotiations, he added.
"We need to formally open all clusters. We are all looking for ways to do this. We have the support of 26 member states. We are also looking for ways to change Hungary's position. I spoke with Péter Szijjártó yesterday, and we will maintain the dialogue. I hope we get results," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
He added that the Ukrainian side is continuing to work on preparing all clusters for opening.
"The Commission noted that Clusters 1, 2, and 6 are ready to open. Ukraine's negotiating position on Cluster 3 has been approved, and the Commission has submitted the EU's draft negotiating position to the Council. The preparation of negotiating positions for Clusters 4 and 5 is nearing completion. I agree with Marta Kos that all six clusters will be ready for opening by the end of November. This means that the 27 Member States must then approve the decision. All efforts are being directed toward ensuring this happens on December 19 during the European Council meeting. Whatever happens, we will implement all tasks within the negotiating process as quickly as possible," Kachka concluded.