European Commission proposes to officially start negotiations on all areas of accession of Ukraine and Moldova by summer

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos called on European Union member states to officially open all negotiation chapters regarding the membership of Ukraine and Moldova by mid-summer. She made this statement while speaking in Brussels ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

She noted that the first cluster could be opened during Cyprus’s presidency, and regarding the remaining five, the European Commission expects a positive decision in July.

"We hope to be able to do this in July," Kos emphasized, highlighting her readiness to intensify the integration process.

In parallel with enlargement issues, a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children is taking place in Brussels at the initiative of Ukraine, Canada, and the EU. Representatives from nearly 60 countries are participating in the event, discussing mechanisms for the repatriation of minors, their subsequent rehabilitation, and holding russia accountable for illegal deportations.

Marta Kos called the abduction of children one of the most horrific manifestations of war and stated that russia must be punished for this. Currently, international partners are developing concrete steps to support families returning from the occupation.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on April 24, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered Ukraine the opportunity to participate in meetings of the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament without the right to vote.