Dombrovskis plans to discuss EU support in talks with Ukrainian government in Kyiv

RIGA - The European Commission's Executive Vice President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis (New Unity) has arrived in Kyiv to discuss with the Ukrainian government and parliament the European Union's (EU) support needed for the country, the EU commissioner's aide Maija Celmina informs on X (formerly Twitter).

According to Dombrovskis' aide, the EU will release the first EUR 4.5 billion installment of the bloc's financial assistance to Ukraine and open formal accession negotiations. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the European Commission's proposal for assistance to Ukraine in trade. 

As reported, at the December 14 summit in Brussels, EU leaders agreed to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. European Council President Charles Michel, announced this on social media, calling it "a clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the EU's decision to open the accession talks with Ukraine as a victory for his war-ravaged country and the whole of Europe.