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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union could open additional negotiating clusters with Ukraine as early as this summer, describing the current period as a “special moment” for the country, UATV English reports.
Speaking ahead of talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, von der Leyen noted that Ukraine has managed to stabilize the front and regain some occupied territory despite Russia’s ongoing aggression.
“It is a special moment because Ukraine is holding the line and partly regaining its territory,” the European Commission president said.
Von der Leyen added that the EU could move forward with opening the next clusters in Ukraine’s accession negotiations in the coming months.
Her remarks came as Kyiv continues to implement reforms required for membership and after the opening of the first negotiating cluster, Fundamentals, earlier this month.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would discuss the remaining five negotiating clusters with European leaders, as well as strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, preparations for the upcoming winter, and increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The discussions take place amid intensified efforts by the European Union to bolster Ukraine’s security and accelerate its path toward membership.
Earlier, EU member states approved the opening of the first cluster of accession talks, covering areas including the rule of law, democratic institutions, public administration reform, and economic criteria.
