Ukraine's PM Explained His Words about Two Years of EU Accession Negotiations

The head of the Ukrainian government, Denys Shmyhal, told about his vision of the process of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations.

He said this to journalists after the joint meeting of the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine in Kyiv, the correspondent of "European Pravda" reports.

Shmyhal points out that he does not expect automaticity in joining the EU. "We perfectly understand that the decision on EU membership must be made by 27 EU members. Discussion process that will take time," he explained.

However, the Prime Minister does not give up on quick accession.

"When I say two years, it means that we will make every effort to put on the EU table a report that we are ready. We are aware that when the decision is approved, it will still take time. We want to accomplish our work as soon as possible," said the Prime Minister.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, did not mention deadlines. She stated that it is also possible to meet EU requirements rapidly.

"The goal (readiness for accession) is standardised. The speed to achieve this goal is different for each country," she explained.

"Therefore, the accession process depends on actions. Some countries are fast, some are slow, some are even moving backward," added the President of the European Commission.

As reported, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to take part in the EU-Ukraine summit.