The first intergovernmental conference between Ukraine and the EU has already taken place. The Ukrainian delegation included representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Office of the President. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his address on the occasion of the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
The Head of State emphasized that this means that Ukraine will definitely become a full member of the European Union. Now, the focus is on technical work, on adapting our system to the EU, and on Europe's political will to make the European project truly complete.
"This can only be achieved with Ukraine as part of a united Europe – a Europe of values, a Europe without splits, ideological walls and ‘gray zones,’ a Europe of peace – real peace. I thank everyone who supports Ukraine on this path, who helps, and who fights for Ukraine," the President said.
Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, on the fifth day of the full-scale Russian invasion. In June of the same year, the European Council granted our country candidate status, and last December, the European Union adopted a decision to open negotiations with Ukraine.
"Between these steps, there have been thousands of meetings and calls. Conditions Ukraine has fully met. Laws that have been enacted and implemented. And most importantly, the determination of our people, our nation," Volodymyr Zelenskyy summarized.