Belgian official confirms EU intends to start accession talks with Ukraine in June

Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the country currently holding the European Union presidency, has confirmed that there are plans to hold an intergovernmental EU–Ukraine conference before the Belgian presidency ends at the end of June.

Lahbib was asked whether she expected an intergovernmental conference between the EU and Ukraine – a de facto start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations – to take place before Belgium’s EU presidency is over.

"We have just discussed this with Moldova. We are still dedicated to organising this intergovernmental conference during our presidency, before the end of June. For Moldova and also for Ukraine," Lahbib said.

Earlier on 21 May, Politico reported that Brussels officials insist on starting official negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union as early as June. They reported that intensive work is currently underway to persuade the Hungarian government to agree to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. 

Katarina Mathernova, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, believes that Ukraine is ready to start negotiations on joining the European Union and hopes these will begin by the end of June.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, during her last visit to Kyiv, also said that she expects the negotiations to begin by the end of the first half of 2024.