We hope to start the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU in substance next year, a spokesman for the European Commission said today in response to a question related to the reforms undertaken by Kiev, quoted by BTA.
These reforms contribute to fulfilling the conditions on the way to the EU, the spokesperson pointed out. He added that the reforms are also necessary for the payment of European aid.
The EC recommended yesterday to allocate another 4.1 billion euros from the EU to ensure the work of the Ukrainian public administration. The spokesman specified today that if the commission's proposal is approved by the Council of the EU, the European financial aid to Ukraine for this year will reach 16.1 billion. euro.
We hope that we will be able to start accession negotiations with Kyiv next year, but this is somewhat in the hands of the EU Council, the EC spokesperson summarized. Last month, during the presentation of the annual reports on EU enlargement, the commission announced that it had prepared a framework for the upcoming negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
The European Council supported in 2023 start of negotiations with Kyiv and Chisinau. Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and determination, has made significant progress on the road to the EU, Moldova has also made progress in reforms, the preparation of the negotiating frameworks for both countries is a step forward, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said at the presentation of the reports.