EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev on Feb 3 to focus on Ukraine's accession to EU, its reconstruction, food security - European official
BRUSSELS. Feb 1 (Interfax) - An EU-Ukraine summit scheduled for February 3 is not expected to be easy, while its objective is to confirm Ukraine's status as an EU candidate country, a high-ranking European official told journalists on Wednesday
Relations with Ukraine are a priority for Brussels, and the organization of this summit in Kiev and personal presence of EU representatives there should serve as a clear message of support addressed above all to Ukrainians, the official said speaking on the condition of anonymity to inform journalists about the agenda of the summit, which is tentatively expected to take place in Kiev.
The summit should also send a message to Russia and to other countries with which the EU has extensively discussed resolutions on different subjects, particularly peace initiatives, at the United Nations and in other formats, the official said.
The summit's agenda would focus on Ukraine's accession to the EU, a reaction to the events ongoing in the country, including a discussion on President Vladimir Zelensky's peace plan, Ukraine's recovery, and global food security, he said.
The summit participants are expected to make a statement concerning integration between Ukraine and the EU. As soon as Ukraine complies with certain preconditions, the EU would be prepared to make decisions on further stages of the accession process, the official said.
The European Commission has identified seven areas where Ukraine is supposed to carry out reforms, and the commission should review the work done toward this in spring, he said.
In discussing Ukraine's accession to the EU, the participants should assess progress the country has made on this path and identify what has yet to be done, he said.
Asked whether the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU could be accelerated, the official replied that Ukraine would become an EU member as soon as it meets all of the criteria.
