Ukraine to take first steps in joining EU this spring – Zelensky

2024 will be the "time of real negotiations," as in the spring, the first negotiating steps to join the EU are planned, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says in his evening address.

The president said 2024 will be "a time of real negotiations" on joining the EU. As Zelenskyy stated, this year will be "a time of maximum pragmatism" in relations with neighbors.

"Everyone can see that Russia is not going to stop. They want an arms race and new waves of destabilization in Moscow. All of us in Europe must clearly realize that if the freedom of one person falls, the freedom of all others will not survive."

Zelensky summarized the results of his visit to Albania for the Ukraine-Southeast Europe forum.

He noted that "there were good meetings" with representatives of Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.

"The main thing is that there are new defense agreements, new packages. There will be more artillery and more of our joint production with partners."

On November 8, the European Commission officially recommended that EU states start negotiations on Ukraine's accession.

The EU Commission presented a report on Ukraine's progress in 2023 with further recommendations.

The President's Office noted that Ukraine has implemented more than 90% of the European Commission's recommendations.

On February 24, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said it is preparing to provide general framework conditions for the start of negotiations with Ukraine on EU accession in March 2024.