Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Kiev is pressing ahead with speed to implement the European Commission’s seven recommendations, signaling the country’s readiness to engage with the European Union on a political track. The remarks were cited by European Truth in a briefing drawn from Zelensky’s address during a Brussels meeting of European commissioners.
In the address, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine moved with utmost urgency to fulfill the Commission’s guidance, aiming to unlock negotiations for EU membership within the current year. He noted that the government’s efforts have reached beyond what was expected given the ongoing military conflicts, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to a steady and visible pace in aligning with EU standards and procedures. The President stressed that there is no need for political scaffolding or symbolic concessions; the focus remains on achieving tangible momentum toward the membership talks that Kiev believes are both possible and necessary this year. This approach, he added, reflects a desire not only to meet accession criteria but to demonstrate that Kyiv is prepared to participate in the political dialogue that accompanies any potential agreement with Brussels. [attribution: European Truth]
Zelensky also outlined the broader strategy behind Ukraine’s EU bid, highlighting that readiness for a political decision to begin membership negotiations constitutes a top priority for the government. He expressed cautious optimism that the EU shares the same sense of urgency and readiness, anticipating that the bloc will respond with a commensurate pace. The President’s comments come at a time when Kyiv seeks to translate commitments into concrete steps, illustrating a clear path toward formal discussions on EU accession, rather than symbolic gestures or prolonged debate. [attribution: European Truth]
Alongside Zelensky’s remarks, Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, reiterated Kyiv’s posture toward accession. She indicated that Ukraine should be prepared to join the EU within the 2024-2025 window, all while considering the potential acceleration of security assurances and partnership arrangements through NATO in tandem with the EU process. Stefanishyna’s assessment reflects a synchronized posture: readiness for EU negotiations in the near term, paired with strategic hopes for stronger alliance ties that could reinforce Ukraine’s security and political integration priorities. [attribution: European Truth]
Earlier reporting suggested that there has been a push from Kyiv to initiate negotiations on EU accession in the Czech Republic, framed within broader discussions about the sequencing and timing of candidate status, negotiation chapters, and the alignment of domestic reforms with EU standards. The dialogue underscores Ukraine’s intent to map out a credible timetable, pairing political milestones with legislative and institutional reforms designed to meet Brussels’ accession benchmarks. The ongoing dialogue also highlights the importance of credible timelines and predictable steps that can reassure citizens and international partners alike about Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. [attribution: European Truth]