Ukraine ready and expects EU accession talks to open in May-June – Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy met with António Costa in Yerevan, May 4, 2026 (Photo: President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met European Council President António Costa in Yerevan to discuss Ukraine’s EU integration, Zelenskyy said on May 4.
“We expect to open all six negotiating clusters within this and next month. Technically, Ukraine is fully ready,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He also thanked European Council President António Costa for his support and personal efforts in unlocking a €90 billion financial assistance package.
“Ukraine expects to receive the first tranches as soon as possible to channel funds into joint drone production and preparations for winter,” Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly said Ukraine aims to join the European Union by 2027. He has rejected the idea of “symbolic” benefits, saying Kyiv deserves full EU membership.
At the same time, several countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Hungary, have opposed “fast-track” accession, stressing that candidate countries must meet strict criteria, including on the rule of law and anti-corruption.
On March 24, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Ukraine would not be able to join the EU by 2027.
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka said Ukraine is ready to postpone some membership benefits to speed up the accession process.
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