PM: Ukraine strives to start negotiation process on accession to EU no later than June
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine strives to begin the negotiation process on accession to the European Union as quickly as possible – no later than June of this year, the Department of Communications of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine said on Friday.
"We expect that the EU will approve a negotiating framework for us without delay. We do not see any objective obstacles that could prevent this. We are actively supported by all European countries," Shmyhal said at the panel discussion titled "European Integration of Ukraine, its Regions and Territorial Communities" at the forum "Life of Regions amidst War."
He said Ukraine has reliable partners in the EU who are ready to help and share experience to successfully complete the negotiation process.
The Prime Minister said Ukraine has done all its homework to begin negotiations on accession to the EU. "The European Commission confirmed that Ukraine has fulfilled all the conditions. We have demonstrated well-coordinated work. The President today voiced a proposal to develop an infrastructure for European integration. These should be representatives - from the government to the communities - who will work with European funds," Shmyhal said.
He said the Ukrainian government, for its part, is ready to help communities attract as much money as possible from the EU. At the same time, the main problem remains the ability of communities to prepare and present relevant projects. "This should become a priority for communities. Since this year we have access to European facility. Ukraine has moved from the status of a candidate to the status of a negotiator. And this gives us additional opportunities," Shmyhal said.