Ukraine has earned the right to move faster on its path to the EU, and that is exactly the political decision Europe needs today. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during his online address to the participants of the EU Intergovernmental Conference from Chișinău Airport on his way to the G7 Summit.
The Head of State emphasized that today is a hard day for Ukraine. Last night, Russia launched another massive attack against our cities. There are people killed and many wounded, significant destruction and fires, and a Russian drone struck the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – a holy Christian site whose history dates back to the 11th century. At the same time, Ukrainians will remember this day because of the decisions being made today.
“These are decisions that draw another clear line between Europe and the stupid dictatorship in Moscow – a dictatorship that wants to destroy our Europe and everything we have built together. What is happening today – the opening of the first cluster in the accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova – sends a clear message that Europe’s progress cannot be stopped. We have worked hard to reach this moment,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The President noted that Ukraine applied for EU membership together with Moldova, and the countries received candidate status together.
“We believe that one of the strongest responses Europe can give to Russia’s attacks and constant acts of aggression is to accelerate our accession process, to accelerate the opening of clusters. It often feels as if we always have to fight harder than others to move forward on our path to the EU. Ukraine has earned the right to move faster. And that is exactly the political decision Europe needs today,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelensky is convinced that opening all six clusters would demonstrate a clear European response to Russia’s escalation of attacks and its continued refusal to negotiate.
“We offered Putin to meet anywhere where real decisions to end the war could be made. He does not want it. We discussed with the U.S. and France the possibility of a meeting with Russia around the G7, with all democratic nations represented. Putin does not want it. Yesterday, we discussed with President Trump that such a meeting could be organized in the U.S. – in a format where Putin would find it much harder to refuse at least to President Trump. And we will see what comes of it,” the Head of State said.
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, if Russia refuses negotiations this time as well, sanctions pressure must be strengthened. Additional sanctions and the acceleration of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s accession to the European Union are precisely the political decisions that will demonstrate resolve and resilience.
The President also thanked the partners for their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense both bilaterally and through the PURL program.
“I want to thank every one of you. Thank you, all the leaders. Thank you, Ursula, António. Thanks to everybody. And thank you to every European heart that knows Europe will prevail over the Russian dictatorship. And of course, I am grateful to every Ukrainian, to all our people, to the millions of Ukrainians who defend our country, who put Russia in its place, and who achieve the results Ukraine needs – and therefore the results Europe needs as well. Thank you!” the Head of State concluded.
On June 15, during the EU Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg, EU countries unanimously decided to open the first of six negotiating clusters on Ukraine’s and Moldova’s accession to the European Union. It is called “Fundamentals” and, in the literal sense, is the fundamental cluster – covering justice, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. Its opening marks the start of real and substantive negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Under the procedure, five more clusters are to be opened next: “Internal Market,” “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth,” “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity,” “Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion,” and “External Relations.” Ukraine is ready to open the remaining clusters this month.
