President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved the composition of Ukraine's delegation to participate in negotiations with the European Union on the conclusion of the EU-Ukraine Accession Agreement.
The delegation includes 35 representatives. The delegation will be headed by Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, who will be the chief negotiator.
The delegation also includes the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, and the first deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korniienko.
Zelenskyy's decree also states that the head of the delegation will be able to make changes to the composition of the Ukrainian delegation in accordance with the established procedure, distribute responsibilities among its members, and involve employees of state bodies, enterprises, institutions, organizations, advisers, experts, and technicians in the work of the delegation.
At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers should:
- form and approve the composition of working groups to prepare Ukraine's negotiating positions during the negotiations with the EU on the conclusion of the EU-Ukraine Accession Agreement, including representatives of ministries, other government agencies, members of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on EU Integration, and MPs (upon agreement);
- develop Ukraine's negotiating positions with the involvement of the public and business community;
- finance expenses related to the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the negotiations with the EU.
Ukraine's accession to the EU
This year, EU ambassadors approved guidelines for negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. It was reported that the negotiations would begin on June 25. However, Polish Minister for EU Affairs Adam Szlapka warned that Ukraine's negotiations with the EU could be difficult due to controversial issues in some areas.
Today, Olga Stefanishyna said that on the way to the European Union, Ukraine will have to fully adapt its legislation.