The EU starts “screening Ukraine” before the start of accession talks
The Ukrainian delegation took part in a kick-off meeting in Brussels to launch the screening process, an important process of assessing Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU law that precedes the official start of accession negotiations.
This was reported to Yevropeiska Pravda by the press service of Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna, who headed the Ukrainian delegation.
As part of the preparations for the immediate pre-accession negotiations, Ukraine will develop roadmaps in the areas of rule of law, freedom of movement of persons (justice, freedom, security), and public administration reform.
During the meeting, the European side presented the features and stages of the official screening.
As part of this process, the EU has set up a schedule of meetings between representatives of Ukrainian ministries and the European Commission.
The Vice Prime Minister emphasized that Ukrainian institutions are mobilized and ready to work together actively.
“Screening is the first fundamental step at the beginning of the negotiation process. As we embark on this process, we are aware of the responsibility that comes with it. This is not just a list of reforms, but a collective effort to ensure that Ukraine meets the high standards set by the European Union.
In this context, I am pleased to welcome the launch of the European Commission’s analytical review of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with the EU acquis,” Stefanishyna emphasized.
She reminded that Ukraine had carried out a self-screening process before receiving the official decision of the European Council, which allowed to determine the state of adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the European one.
“The expertise, recommendations and constructive feedback from the Directorate General (which is in charge of the expansion negotiations – Ed.) will be invaluable in the screening process. I hope for fruitful cooperation,” Stefanishyna added.
The Ukrainian side also presented its vision of the national negotiation architecture. The participants of the meeting discussed approaches to forming negotiating teams, preparing the EU negotiation framework and Ukraine’s negotiating position, holding the first intergovernmental conference, and the calendar of cooperation for the coming months.
Prior to the meeting, Stefanishyna met with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varghese. During the meeting, the parties discussed Ukraine’s implementation of the four recommendations of the European Commission, preparation of the negotiation framework and launch of the screening process.
