How long can technical negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU last: assessments of European officials
Фото: Reuters
The European Union believes that, with sufficient political will, Ukraine can complete technical negotiations on EU accession in about 4 years. At the same time, European officials note that only 15% of the reforms stipulated in the agreed membership preparation plan have been implemented so far.
This is reported by The Guardian .
It is noted that on June 15, Ukraine and Moldova are to open the first negotiation cluster on the path to joining the European Union. European officials consider this stage an important step in the process of European integration of both countries.
According to the publication, EU officials, speaking to journalists, noted that Ukraine has implemented only 15% of the reforms stipulated in the 10-point plan, which was agreed in December last year by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
The plan includes strengthening the independence of the NABU and SAPO, adopting an anti-corruption strategy, and implementing reforms in the appointment of judges and prosecutors. In addition, to join the European Union, Ukraine must implement thousands of European laws and decisions, after which it must receive unanimous support from all EU member states.
In a joint statement, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the determination, courage, and hard work of Ukraine and Moldova in implementing reforms.
Former European Commission Enlargement Advisor Heather Grabbe stressed the importance of opening the first negotiating cluster.
“This is the beginning of the process of concluding a membership agreement. So it’s very important,” said Heather Grabbe.
According to her, the start of negotiations will be a test for Ukraine of its readiness for full membership in the EU.
“It is impossible to bypass the adoption, implementation and enforcement of EU laws on the territory of Ukraine. And this will take some time. And it will be associated with administrative costs,” said Heather Grabbe.
As is known, the countries of the European Union unanimously approved the start of negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU . The first intergovernmental conference will be held on June 15, at which the first negotiating cluster “Fundamentals” will be opened.
It was previously reported that Ukraine and the European Union may open two negotiation clusters as soon as June as part of the EU accession process.
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