The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has signaled this Friday from Kiev, where the EU-Ukraine summit is being held, the European support to Kiev on all fronts, assuring that «there will be no truce» in the «firmness» in the face of Russian aggression.
Michel arrived Friday in the Ukrainian capital to chair the summit with Ukraine, an appointment that for the first time is held in Kiev and that, in the midst of war, seeks to send a signal of political support against the Kremlin.
In a message on social networks, the former Belgian prime minister confirmed his presence in Ukraine, alluding to the meeting, which on the European side will be attended by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell.
«There will be no let-up in our firmness. We will support you also in every step on your way to the EU,» he said, in a nod to Ukraine’s accession process.
Friday’s summit follows yesterday’s meeting of about fifteen members of the European Commission with the Ukrainian Executive to discuss Ukraine’s progress towards accession face to face. Within the framework of this forum, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski set a deadline of this year for the EU to open accession negotiations with Ukraine.
«What is the target? I want to make it very clear: this year should be the time when there will be no obstacles left for the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s full accession to the EU,» he assured in front of Von der Leyen.
For its part, Brussels offered to strengthen Ukraine’s participation in European programs, in a move to facilitate its integration into the single market, while awaiting the long road of its accession to the community club.
Initiatives in the areas of trade and economy, customs, industrial products and telecommunications, together with Ukraine’s presence in fiscal, digital and research programs, are aimed at further integrating the country into the European economy and facilitating its alignment with the acquis communautaire.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
