By KYIV. Nov 28 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament welcomes the positive recommendation of the European Commission to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and expects the recommendation to be confirmed by the European Council at its meeting in December.
As reported on the website of the European Parliament, the Conference of Presidents welcomes Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament.
“This is an important step in strengthening the multidimensional partnership, which is a crucial element in the preparation of Ukrainian political institutions for EU integration. This partnership will be reinforced by the establishment of a permanent European Parliament’s presence in Kyiv, developing and supporting our links with the Verkhovna Rada and the Ukrainian people. On this occasion, the Conference of Presidents reiterates its strong support for the European Council’s decision to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine in 2022 and welcomes the positive recommendation from the European Commission on 8 November 2023 to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. It expects the recommendation to be confirmed by the European Council at its meeting in December,” the report notes.
The Conference of Presidents trusts Ukraine will continue its constructive and ambitious approach towards the necessary reforms. Political Group leaders reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine’s EU membership, which “represents a geostrategic investment in a united and strong Europe.”
“The Conference of Presidents stresses that Ukraine is and will remain a priority for the European Parliament. Ukraine can count on the restless effort and commitment to uphold the legitimate ambitions and aspirations of the Ukrainian people,” the report notes.
Thus, the leaders of political groups hope to intensify cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada in 2024, including through inter-committee meetings and visits during the elections to the European Parliament and beyond.
The Conference of Presidents consists of the President of the European Parliament and the chairmen of the political groups.
