Lithuanian FM, Ukrainian deputy PM, EU commissioner discuss accession talks

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys on Thursday spoke by phone with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos about preparations for negotiations on Ukraine and Moldova's accession to the European Union.

The officials discussed the countries' readiness to open the first cluster of negotiation chapters, known as "Fundamentals," the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Budrys said that Lithuania strongly backs the swift integration of both countries into the EU, adding that Vilnius' stance is clear: 2030 must remain the target date for Ukraine's membership.

"Ukraine's EU membership is the strongest security guarantee not only for Ukraine itself but also for all of Europe. That is why it is necessary to open negotiations with Ukraine on the first cluster of negotiating chapters at the level of all 27 EU member states as soon as possible, and on other chapters by the end of 2025," the minister said in the press release.

"Ukraine's motivation to continue the necessary reforms also depends on the EU fulfilling its commitments. By starting accession negotiations now, we will provide the right framework for Ukraine's reform progress," he added.

Budrys underlined that separating Moldova from Ukraine in the accession process is unacceptable.

"If consensus among the 27 EU member states cannot be reached, it is important to find a way to move forward on an EU-26 track until full support from all 27 EU member states is secured. Negotiations on the EU-26 track must cover both Ukraine and Moldova," he said.

Kyiv applied for EU membership soon after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, but talks have been blocked by Hungary's veto.

Hungary argues that Ukraine's accession would pose security risks and that admitting a country at war would draw Budapest into the conflict with Russia.