CLUNE: NOW IS THE TIME TO BRING UKRAINE INTO EU FOLD  

Today, the European Commission is expected to recommend member states agree to open EU membership negotiations with Ukraine, though with caveats on when talks should formally begin.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, following her visit to Ukraine at the end of October says,

“Ukraine has made significant progress on the conditions for EU accession. So far, the country has already completed over 90% of its required steps.

“Now is the time to start accession negotiations”, MEP Clune added.

A start date for formal talks should only be agreed pending Ukraine adopting specific laws related to issues including political asset declarations, the regulation of political lobbying and guarantees for national minorities, according to an unpublished final draft of the commission’s conclusions.

MEP Clune continued, “I witnessed this progress first-hand when I visited the country just two weeks ago. Every day, Ukrainians show us what they are fighting and for. They are fighting for their future, for a Ukraine free from Russian aggression.

“I believe the EU has a responsibility towards Ukraine. When Ukrainians imagine their future, they see Europe’s flag flying over their town, cities and villages”, MEP Clune concluded.