Zelenskyy pushes to open all EU membership negotiation areas now

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging European Union leaders to open all remaining negotiation areas for Ukraine's EU membership during the current summit in Brussels. This call follows the recent opening of the first negotiation chapter, a move long blocked by Hungary but facilitated by its new government.

Zelenskyy expressed his desire to discuss the next five negotiation areas at the summit, emphasizing that the opening of the first chapter, focused on fundamental reforms like rule of law and economic criteria, is a significant step. He highlighted that the EU Commission has already assessed Ukraine's reforms as sufficient for full negotiation access.

“

It is a big moment for Ukraine that the first negotiation area has now been opened. Thank you to all EU leaders for unanimity on this. - Now we will discuss the next five negotiation areas at this summit.

"The opening of the first negotiation area is a big step forward. Ukraine deserves it, after you have worked so hard to implement reforms," stated EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing hope for more chapters to open over the summer. Ukraine is also pressing for enhanced air defense capabilities before winter and for the EU to intensify pressure on Russia to bring President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

Additionally, EU leaders are expected to approve the disbursement of the first part of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, with two-thirds earmarked for supporting the country's war effort. The new Hungarian government's approval was crucial for this financial package.

“

The opening of the first negotiation area is a big step forward. Ukraine deserves it, after you have worked so hard to implement reforms. - I hope that more negotiation areas will be opened during the summer.