Zelenskyy Signals Historic Start to EU Accession Talks for Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced today the official commencement of Ukraine’s negotiations for European Union membership during the inaugural Inter-Governmental Conference on Ukraine’s EU accession. He described it as a significant step, marking Ukraine’s transition to substantive talks with the EU on membership. Zelenskyy noted the historical context, mentioning Ukraine’s application for membership shortly after the invasion began:

“In the aftermath of the full-scale invasion, on February 28, 2022, we submitted our application. Almost two years ago, in June 2022, we achieved candidate status, and last December, we obtained political approval for negotiations. But it is from today that our path to EU membership officially begins: Ukraine and the EU are holding their first Inter-Governmental Conference today.”

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards those supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations:

“I want to thank everyone who defends Ukraine, our state, our people, and the team that is doing everything for Ukraine to become part of the European Union.”

Earlier statements regarding the start of negotiations were made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, and several EU member state leaders. The EU Council had previously approved negotiation frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova, paving the way for the start of accession talks.