The President of the European Commission arrived in Kiev on Tuesday for a “symbolic” visit on the occasion of Europe Day, with the aim of “preparing the ground” for Ukraine’s accession negotiations to the European Union.
“My presence in Kiev today, May 9, is symbolic, but it is also the sign of a crucial and very practical reality: the EU works hand in hand with Ukraine on many issues,” Ursula von der Leyen told reporters at the night Train. that took her to the Ukrainian capital.
This is the fifth visit that von der Leyen has made to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion, on February 24 last year, and it coincides with Europe Day, an EU celebration that, from today, the Ukrainian authorities also commemorate. ., turning its back on the Soviet tradition of celebrating Victory Day against Nazism.
“It’s good to be back in Kiev, where the values that are dear to us are defended every day,” the person in charge wrote on the social network Twitter, considering that the Ukrainian capital is “such an appropriate place to celebrate Europe.” Day”. .
It’s good to be back in Kyiv.
Where the values we hold dear are upheld every day.
So it’s such an appropriate place to celebrate Europe day.
I welcome the president @ZelenskyyUato make 9 May Europe Day also here in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/MEGOEfgyIq
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 9, 2023
With the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and other authorities of the country, Von der Leyen hopes to “prepare the ground for the start of negotiations for the entry” of Ukraine to the Group of 27, said the president of the European Commission, quoted by Efe news agency. .
The European Commission is due to produce a preliminary report in the summer on the progress kyiv is making on the reforms demanded by Brussels, before it can start accession negotiations. A second, more complete analysis will be carried out in December.
Still regarding the war in Ukraine, the German politician said: “We continue to increase the pressure on Russia. It is one of the points on which I will report to President Zelensky.”
And he specified: “Now we are focusing on the rigorous application of the sanctions and taking measures to prevent them from being circumvented. We are determined to fill the gaps. There is no doubt about that,” said the community leader about what would be the 11th package of restrictive measures against Moscow since the invasion.
Other “key issues” von der Leyen plans to take up with Ukrainian leaders range from “delivery of ammunition and significant financial support, to ensuring Russia’s accountability for its crime of aggression.”
Source: TSF
