EU membership must be part of a just peace — Ukraine’s prime minister 

At a press conference on the government's progress, Shmyhal, as reported by Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko, stated, "We have received the green light to begin negotiations on EU accession. We are actively working on this. 

We have received and approved the negotiation framework, and we are successfully screening our legislation. Not only have we secured approval for the Ukraine Facility instrument, but we have also prepared for it and approved a comprehensive reform plan - a unique matrix tool with over 400 measures to be implemented by Ukraine this year alone.”

He also noted that parliamentarians are closely monitoring the implementation of five international commitments to ensure that Ukraine stays on track with its European integration and reform agenda. Additionally, Ukraine has extended its visa-free travel arrangement for economic and transportation purposes with Europe. 

"We all witnessed the protests in Poland, and we faced a similar crisis earlier this year. We have developed a policy of 'new pragmatism' with our European neighbors to maintain balance. The border with Poland and other neighboring countries has been fully reopened, our trucks are now moving smoothly, and eCherha is functioning properly," the prime minister said.

He mentioned that the next steps include implementing digital customs and its reform.

Shmyhal stated that Ukraine aims to prepare for EU membership by the end of 2025. However, he emphasized that strategically, this should be considered “an integral part of a just peace.”

"This involves immense effort: we must align our legislation and thousands of regulations with EU directives and rules. It’s a substantial technical task. The only remaining political step is for EU member states to decide to accept Ukraine,” Shmyhal added.

• Polish Sejm Marshal (Speaker) Szymon Hołownia said that Ukraine and Poland will continue to address their differences over the historical memory of the Volyn tragedy even after Ukraine joins the EU.