Zelensky meets European Commission president to discuss Ukraine's EU membership talks: meeting outcomes
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
On Saturday, November 4, during a meeting in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, discussed Ukraine's EU membership negotiations, sanctions against Russia, and support for Ukraine during a full-scale war.
According to the Office of the President, Zelensky stated that membership negotiations would mean several fundamental things, Rubryka reports.
The Ukrainian leader noted that first, there would no longer be gray geopolitical zones in Europe. Second, the talks will provide a new basis for Ukraine's growth and all European countries. Third, they will guarantee Ukraine and its people real economic and social security.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted three points: first, gray geopolitical zones in Europe will be eliminated. Second, the talks will provide a fresh foundation for Ukraine's advancement, benefitting all European nations. Third, they will ensure economic and social security for Ukraine and its people.
"The kind of security that corresponds to our values — the values of Europeans," said Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with media following the negotiations with the EC president.
"We discussed the negotiations on joining the EU. We also spoke with the president [von der Leyen] about concrete support for Ukraine in defense against Russian aggression. It is very important that there remained reliable support from Europe and other partners," said the Ukrainian leader. "This concerns defense and financial support. Russia must see that the world is not backing down, defending freedom and international law. And I am very grateful to you, Ursula, for understanding this."
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine did not ask for special conditions on the way to the EU. It fulfills all the recommendations of the European Commission. According to him, even during a full-scale war, Ukraine does not stop on the path of necessary reforms.
"We have implemented the recommendations necessary to start membership negotiations. This concerns the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the freedom of national minorities, greater transparency in the work of state institutions, and the strengthening of our state and anti-corruption infrastructure," he said.
Zelensky reported that the draft law on the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has already been registered in the parliament. It will give the anti-corruption system the ability to work effectively.
A draft law on lobbying is also being prepared. It will make political processes more transparent and reliably protect the state from the destructive influence of oligarchs and other persons trying to circumvent the rule of law.
Work is also ongoing on digitizing public services and public institutions.
"Ukraine will be as ready as possible for the start of accession negotiations with the European Union and later for full membership in the EU," Zelensky assured.
Volodymyr Zelensky added that it was important to use Russian assets seized in the EU to restore damaged objects in Ukraine.
What we know about the visit of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to Kyiv
On November 4, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived on an official visit to Kyiv and met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The EU Commission chief was also scheduled to speak in the Ukrainian parliament. The visit is taking place on the eve of the European Commission's report recommending starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
In her turn, the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Olha Stefanishyna, confirmed that Ursula von der Leyen would arrive in Kyiv before publishing a report on Ukraine's progress towards EU membership.
The commission president noted at the end of October that the EU was preparing a strong blow to Russia's income. The 12th package of sanctions may include restrictions against Russian diamonds, which should hit the Russian Federation hard because it is the world's largest supplier of small diamonds.
Von der Leyen said that "Russia should pay for the long-term recovery of Ukraine." According to her, the EU discussed frozen Russian assets worth €211 billion.
