Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Kyiv anticipates the start of European Union membership talks in December 2023. The message appeared on the Ukrainian government’s official online platform, signaling a formal milestone in Kyiv’s ongoing pursuit of EU accession.
Zelensky also called the visit of Pedro Sánchez, who led Spain during its EU presidency, a moment of historical significance for Ukraine. He emphasized that the presidency’s first six months would be marked by Ukraine’s engagement with the EU, underscoring the country’s objective of membership in the near term.
According to Zelensky, the visit from the Spanish prime minister during the early stages of Kyiv’s EU bid illustrates the weight of Ukraine’s bid in European affairs. He asserted that this period would be crucial for shaping Europe’s future relationship with Kyiv, and he urged the European Union to acknowledge Kyiv’s advancing reform efforts and achievements on the path to integration.
Former Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda also weighed in, noting that Ukraine’s EU accession talks could commence as planned in December, highlighting the regional consensus around Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.
In late June, Zelensky met with the presidents of Poland and Lithuania to discuss Ukraine’s potential EU accession, reflecting ongoing regional diplomacy aimed at securing broader support for Kyiv’s European ambition. The discussions touched on the necessary reforms and the prerequisites that Ukraine has to meet to gain full membership.
Historically, Kyiv’s path toward EU membership has involved a series of milestones, requirements, and negotiations. The exact number of conditions Ukraine has fulfilled has been a frequently cited topic as Kyiv navigates the complex EU acquis and alignment processes. Ukraine’s leadership has repeatedly highlighted progress in areas such as governance, anti-corruption measures, economic reform, and alignment with EU standards as part of the broader scope of accession talks.