Ukraine has fully completed the preparatory stage for moving to the next phase of integration with the European Union. This was stated by the country's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that Kyiv now expects partners to open the first negotiation clusters.
Timelines and integration schedule
According to the head of state, the Ukrainian side has strictly adhered to all established deadlines in the preparation for the negotiation process. Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv now has a clear schedule of opportunities for progress in negotiations, which has become more evident following political changes in neighboring Hungary.
"There is progress in our negotiations with the European Union regarding Ukraine's membership. We will have a very clear schedule of opportunities for movement in negotiations, especially after the changes in Hungary," the President emphasized.
June expectations and the role of Hungary
The Ukrainian side expects to move to the opening of clusters as early as June of this year. The President's team maintains daily contact with EU representatives to synchronize actions and accelerate the process.
Zelenskyy added that every positive news from Brussels is of huge importance for motivating the Ukrainian people, as it confirms the correctness of the chosen path and support from international partners.
Breakthrough in relations with Budapest
Earlier, Politico reported that the EU expects a breakthrough in the issue of Ukraine's accession. European diplomats noted Hungary's readiness to reconsider its position and lift objections regarding Ukraine's application for membership in the Union.
Such a decision paves the way for the start of the first negotiation cluster. Official steps were planned to be taken during the intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on June 15.
Subsequently, media reports emerged stating that the EU sees new progress in negotiations on Ukraine's European integration. Thanks to the positive dynamics in consultations between Kyiv and Budapest, the European side began considering the possibility of opening two negotiation clusters in June instead of one.
Agreement on minority rights
Later, the Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar, officially stated that Ukraine and Hungary had reached a comprehensive agreement on expanding the rights of the Hungarian national minority in Zakarpattia.
He noted that his team managed to resolve this issue in just three weeks of negotiations, whereas the former head of government, Viktor Orbán, could not reach a compromise in 10 years. This breakthrough became a key factor that allowed the lifting of the blockade on Ukraine's European integration process.