Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2030 is not a distant dream, but a realistic prospect. This forecast was made immediately after the official opening of the first negotiation cluster. The situation was commented on by the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Maternova.
A diplomatic gift
The event, which became a milestone in the European integration process, coincided with the personal date of the head of the diplomatic mission. The opening of the first cluster fell on Katarina Maternova's birthday. The ambassador herself assessed this coincidence as the best possible gift she could have imagined.
Assessment of Kyiv's readiness
Discussing specific deadlines, Maternova emphasized that 2030 is a "very realistic deadline" for completing the process. According to her, Ukraine has demonstrated readiness for negotiations, despite the massive work required to bring national legislation into line with EU norms.
At the same time, the diplomat clarified that the pace of completing negotiations would directly depend on the volume of upcoming legislative and other work. This means that success depends on the speed of reforms within the country.
Summer plan
The European Commission has already voiced ambitious plans: to open the remaining five negotiation clusters before the start of the summer holidays. Katarina Maternova supported this initiative, noting that implementing the idea in the current summer season would be wonderful, provided there is enough political will.
Geopolitical background
Despite optimism regarding European integration, Brussels remains vigilant. Concerns have emerged in the EU regarding the future of the peace process. European officials are worried about a scenario where, after the resolution of the Iranian crisis, Donald Trump might attempt to take control of the conflict resolution in Ukraine into his own hands.