EU accession talks may start this year, – European Commission President in Ukrainian Parliament

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen delivered a speech in the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv. In her speech, the EU leader reiterated Europe’s support for Ukraine and expressed confidence that the accession negotiations could start as early as this year.

An unexpected visit of the President of the European Commission in Kyiv was announced on 4 November. Ursula von der Leyen met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the leaders held a joint press conference.

Ursula von der Leyen’s speech in the Ukrainian Parliament

In her speech to the Verkhovna Rada, Ursula von der Leyen recalled how Ukraine was presented with 7 points to start joining the European Union.

According to her, Ukraine has now proved its democracy can fulfil these steps. The President of the European Commission knows that it has not been easy in some places, but Ukraine has done more than anyone expected from a country during the war.

“I am confident that you can achieve your ambitious goals and open the process of negotiations this year on EU accession,” Ursula von der Leyen told the Rada.

12th package of sanctions against Russia and new aid package for Ukraine

The President of the European Commission said that the EU would stay with Ukraine as long as necessary. The new 12th package of sanctions against Russia will be announced next week and will continue until peace comes. Von der Leyen also announced a new aid package for Ukraine.

“Ukraine is a nation of innovators. And Europe wants to invest in you. And so we are introducing a plan that will provide 50 billion euros for you. This is more than any country has received since the Marshall Plan,” the European Commission President said.

Ursula von der Leyen added that an important task is to use this money as efficiently as possible. That is why the EU and Ukraine have been working together to develop a reform plan.

Ukraine is not asking for any relief – Zelenskyy

At a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was not asking for any relief and was implementing all the recommendations given to Kyiv.

In particular, Kyiv has fulfilled all the requirements for accession related to the rule of law, protection of human rights and freedoms of national communities, greater transparency in the work of state institutions, and strengthening of the anti-corruption infrastructure. A law on lobbying is currently being prepared.

On 31 October, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced good news on Ukraine’s accession to the EU by the end of the week. Ukraine is confidently moving towards the goal.

On 8 November, the European Commission will reportedly publish its report on the candidates’ progress towards EU accession, including data on Ukraine.