Europe is ready to initiate the first negotiations for Ukraine’s accession into the EU.

The European Commission supports beginning these talks, said EC President Ursula von der Leyen after a European Council press conference.

“Under constant attack, Ukraine continues to implement reforms, one after the other, which is impressive. Ukraine has made progress and deserves to advance,” she highlighted.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna expressed Ukraine’s eagerness to see the first cluster open as part of the accession process.

“Partners highly valued Ukraine’s reform speed despite tough circumstances and called for next steps in the process. It has been confirmed that the first cluster is prepared to open,” she noted.

However, the EU summit did not adopt a final statement endorsing the start of negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession. The draft was approved by 26 of 27 countries, with Hungary voting against it. Since it was not approved unanimously, the opening of the first negotiating cluster will be postponed. The next summit in October will revisit the discussion.