The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that Kyiv will complete the technical preparations necessary to open negotiations on all chapters of its accession to the European Union in the coming days. According to him, Ukraine has fulfilled the required preliminary steps and is now awaiting a political decision from Brussels to formally launch the full negotiation process.

The head of state urged EU leaders to set a clear date for the start of membership talks, stressing that this move would represent not only a political milestone but also a strategic security element for the country amid the ongoing military conflict.

“For Ukraine, this is not only about future economic development, but also about guaranteeing stability and protecting democratic institutions”, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022 and has since been working to align its legislation with European standards — from judicial reform and anti-corruption measures to the adaptation of economic and customs regulations.

According to European diplomats, key outstanding issues include strengthening the rule of law, reforming anti-corruption institutions, and ensuring the protection of minority rights. At the same time, officials in Brussels acknowledge that Kyiv’s progress under wartime conditions has been unprecedented.

The launch of accession talks would send an important political signal both to Ukrainian society and to international partners. It could:

• strengthen investor confidence in the country’s long-term prospects;
• bolster Ukraine’s position in securing international financial assistance;
• increase pressure on certain EU member states that remain skeptical about accelerated integration.

 

However, even if negotiations begin promptly, the accession process is likely to take years, as it requires agreement across dozens of negotiating chapters and unanimous approval by all EU member states. Nevertheless, Zelenskyy’s statement underscores Kyiv’s determination to make its strategic course toward European integration irreversible — despite ongoing security risks and a challenging economic environment.

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#UKRAINE

03.03.2026 02:40