Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda hopes that Ukraine and the EU will be able to open all clusters by the end of the year.
He made this statement before the start of the EU summit on Thursday, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
Nausėda called for speeding up the negotiation process and condemned the “selective approach” to some countries seeking membership in the European Union, in particular Ukraine and Moldova, as both countries are making great efforts and are doing quite well in implementing reforms.
“But, unfortunately, due to some bilateral obstacles, you know what I’m talking about, Ukraine cannot open the first cluster of negotiations, and I think we should open this first cluster as soon as possible. And, of course, by the end of the year, we should open all six clusters of negotiations,” Nauseda said.
He is convinced that it is necessary to set “ambitious political goals” that are difficult but motivating: “For example, to see Ukraine as a member of the European Union on January 1, 2030.”
Nauseda hopes that the parties will be able to accelerate their efforts, begin the technical process of negotiations, and avoid any misunderstandings, because right now that is counterproductive.
“Probably, this time everything will also be successful. Of course, one country cannot abuse the consensus tool, as this greatly complicates the decision-making process in the European Union,” he said, adding that time is precious now and if it is wasted, the EU will face many problems and will not be able to make bold decisions.
As reported by Ukrinform, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna said that Ukraine and Moldova have fulfilled all the conditions for opening negotiations on accession to the European Union in the clusters “Fundamental Areas,” “Internal Market,” and “External Relations.” This is the first block of “Fundamentals of EU Accession,” as well as the most important cluster concerning Ukraine’s participation in the EU internal market and the block concerning foreign and security policy.
Stefanishyna is convinced that negotiations on these clusters can be opened during the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, as Ukraine has fulfilled all the requirements for this.
Photo: screenshot from video
Source: Nauseda hopes Ukraine’s EU accession can be accelerated
