Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine aims to open all negotiating clusters with the European Union in 2025. This is an ambitious step in the country's process of joining the bloc, the Kyiv Independent reports.
"During Poland's EU presidency we expect to open at least two clusters and six in total. To be honest, our goal is very ambitious - to open all clusters next year," Zelensky said at the All-Ukrainian Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
Former EU enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhei said Ukraine could join the bloc by 2029, provided it carried out all the necessary reforms.
Ukraine presented its detailed reform plan on 20 March, outlining its vision for reconstruction and modernisation as part of its EU membership drive.
The European Commission recently commended Ukraine's progress in key areas, including the rule of law, judicial reform and anti-corruption measures. However, it stressed that further reforms are needed to meet EU standards.
Ukraine was granted candidate status for EU membership in June 2022. The Commission recommended opening accession negotiations with Ukraine in November 2023 and the European Council endorsed the decision a month later. | BGNES
