Her official start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations but also her signing of the EU-Kiev security agreementthe Ukrainian president greeted today, Volodymyr Zelensky, on the sidelines of the Brussels summit.
The agreement was signed by the head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyenthe President of the EU Council, Carlos Michel and the Ukrainian leader.
“We intend to support Ukraine as long as necessary”
“We have the opportunity to sign an additional bilateral security agreement with Ukraine,” said European Council President Charles Michel.
“This is very important so that we can send the message that we intend to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” he added.
Furthermore, the President of the European Council stressed the importance of providing increased military and economic support to Ukraine.
“We decided to target Russia’s frozen assets, especially income from frozen assets. We have taken important decisions at EU level. This is important because it means that in the coming weeks and months, the first disbursement will be concrete and effective. We are also working with G7 partners to offer an additional package of 50 billion euros”, said S. Michel.
Although, in turn, the Ukrainian president stated that “Every step taken brings us closer to our historic objective for peace and prosperity in our common European home.”
What does the agreement provide?
The agreement provides, among other things, for the creation of a new crisis management mechanism. If Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine or launches another attack, consultations must be held within 24 hours at the request of both parties.
Possible support will then be discussed, for example through the supply of weapons.
There are also plans for closer cooperation between the EU and Ukraine’s defense industry and to combat cyberattacks and disinformation.
The EU unilaterally promises to continue its efforts to obtain more financial aid, arms deliveries and training of Ukrainian soldiers.
Official start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations
At the same time, the Ukrainian President welcomed the official start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, speaking of a “historic decision”.
In joint statements with Charles Michel, V. Zeleski thanked European leaders for this historic decision.
“We have to work on the next steps”
“We have been waiting for a long time… we see this strong historic step forward and we are grateful for the start of accession negotiations… it is very important for all of us in Ukraine, believe me,” said the Ukrainian President.
Zelensky also added that now “we have to work on the next steps”.
Referring to the start of accession negotiations, S. Michel said:
“A few days ago we started accession negotiations with Ukraine. This is an extra step and shows your personal determination and leadership. It also shows the political will of the Ukrainian people to join the EU and implement reforms that are extremely important.”