Kiev [Ukraine], December 2: New European Council President Antonio Costa has pledged Ukraine swift progress in the EU accession process during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Sunday.
Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister, said they would work together to open at least two areas of accession negotiations in the first half of next year. The new European Council leader officially took up office earlier on Sunday along with the new team of commissioners under the second term of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Costa also assured Ukraine of further EU financial assistance in the fight against Russia's ongoing invasion, and committed to efforts on the 15th package of sanctions against Russia. He noted that starting next year, proceeds from frozen Russian assets in the EU would provide ?1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) per month in aid to Ukraine.
Additionally, Costa emphasized that further sanctions would intensify pressure on Russia's economy and undermine its war efforts. The European Union officially opened accession negotiations with Ukraine in June.
The duration and successful conclusion of the negotiations remain uncertain, and it is widely regarded as unlikely that Ukraine will join the EU before the war's end.
Source: Qatar Tribune
