Foreign Minister: Ukraine's accession talks could begin this year

According to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, the process of Ukraine’s accession to the EU could start this year if all member states agree to do so. Mr Lipavský made the statement in a debate on Prima TV on Sunday in reaction to President Pavel’s intention to push for the opening of the relevant accession talks by the end of this year.

Ukraine was granted candidate status for EU membership in 2022. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in January that Ukraine had demonstrated considerable efforts toward meeting the accession criteria.