European Commission on Ukraine's move towards the EU: screening is taking place "at an unprecedented speed"

The screening process (verification of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU legislation) within the framework of accession negotiations with Ukraine is taking place at a speed unprecedented for the European Union. This was stated in response to a question from a correspondent "European truth" at a briefing on April 22 in Brussels, European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said.

Flags of the EU and Ukraine

Mercier emphasized that the EU enlargement process is a priority for the European Commission, and Ukraine is moving towards the EU with steady progress, in particular, demonstrating the highest screening speed in the history of enlargement.

"Enlargement remains one of the priorities of this Commission. And we started negotiations with Ukraine in June 2024. Ukraine is demonstrating steady progress on the path to EU membership. We are currently in the process of conducting bilateral screening across various thematic clusters of EU law," the European Commission spokesperson recalled.

"In the case of Ukraine, we are applying an accelerated procedure - screening is taking place at an unprecedented speed. This was made possible thanks to the close cooperation of European Commission experts with Ukrainian partners to ensure the most efficient completion of this stage," said Guillaume Mercier.

He clarified that "this work (the screening process) will continue until the fall."

Mercier confirmed that Ukraine is ready to open the first negotiation cluster "Fundamentals", but this requires the consent of all 27 EU member states.

"Ukraine has fulfilled all the conditions for opening the first cluster — the so-called "Fundamentals" cluster. But, as you rightly noted, this requires the consent of all member states," he said.

Let us recall that the opening of the first cluster was blocked by Hungary, putting forward additional conditions regarding the rights of Hungarians in Transcarpathia.

Mercier added that "discussions are currently ongoing in the EU Council" on this issue.

"For its part, the Commission provides comprehensive support to Ukraine in all possible forms - technical, political and financial. We continue to do so in the future, and we also maintain an active dialogue with all Member States," the European Commission spokesman emphasized.

Earlier, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine has achieved the fastest pace of accession to the European Union among countries that have ever sought to become an EU member.

As is known, in February 2025, Hungary blocked the opening of the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and promised to block the opening of clusters until "consultations" with the population on this issue are held.

The "consultations", accompanied by manipulation and lies from the Hungarian government, are due to end at the end of June.

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