The European Union has opened negotiations on Ukraine's accession
Today marks the beginning of a new phase in relations between Ukraine and the European Union. The EU has officially started negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this during the First Intergovernmental Conference on the launch of negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU.
"2 years, 3 months and 29 days ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an application for Ukraine's membership in the European Union. 2 years and 3 days ago, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of candidate for EU membership. Today we officially start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. This is a landmark day. A historic moment for both Ukraine and Europe," said Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister, the European Union means much more to Ukraine than a physical space. It is values. It is hope. It is a symbol. Thousands of the best sons and daughters of Ukraine gave their lives for an independent European state Ukraine.
"We are well aware that there is still a lot of work to be done on the way to accession. We are prepared for it. We have shown that we can move quickly and achieve the impossible. Today's event is a clear indication of this," the Head of Government stressed.
Denys Shmyhal thanked President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, and leaders of all EU member states for their unwavering support and their personal historic contributions.
"Today we are celebrating an important victory on Ukraine's European integration path. Simultaneously, the start of negotiations is also a significant step towards our common great Victory.
Only together will we win. Only together we will build a safe, prosperous and strong Europe stretching from Lisbon to Luhansk," the Prime Minister summed up.