Shmyhal reveals expectations from EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv

This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at a government meeting on January 31.

"The fact that this summit will be held in Kyiv is a powerful signal to both partners and enemies. To our partners, it is a signal that Europe believes in Ukraine's victory and supports our rapid movement towards EU membership. To our enemies, it is a signal of the futility of their efforts to divide the coalition supporting Ukraine and stop our Euro-Atlantic integration," the prime minister said.

According to him, Ukraine primarily expects an interim positive assessment of its European integration efforts from the summit, which will allow it to start substantive negotiations on the country's accession to the EU.

"In addition, the agenda of the EU-Ukraine summit will include issues of sectoral integration of the Ukrainian economy into the European field. In particular, it is crucial for us to gain long-term access for all Ukrainian goods to the EU market without quotas and duties. We also hope to see progress in Ukraine's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and in joining the Single Roaming Area. The issue of "industrial visa-free regime" remains on our agenda," Shmyhal said.

He also expects the issue of financial assistance to Ukraine for the rapid restoration of the energy sector and damaged housing to be resolved.

• Earlier, Shmyhal said that Ukraine intends to join the European Union within two years.