Disagreements within the EU over Ukraine could overshadow bloc leaders’ summit

Serious disagreements among European Union member states over the pace of Ukraine’s accession negotiations are capable of casting a shadow over the EU leaders’ summit opening on Thursday.

This was reported by the Financial Times, citing diplomats involved in preparing the meeting.

According to the newspaper, disputes between European capitals emerged just days after the official launch of Ukraine’s EU membership negotiation process. EU member states differ on how quickly the talks with Kyiv should advance.

Financial Times sources warn that these disagreements could sour the atmosphere of the upcoming summit and complicate efforts to reach a unified position among member states.

On Monday, the European Union and Ukraine opened the first negotiating cluster as part of the country’s accession process.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill, commenting on the situation, stated that the European Union adheres to a policy of enlargement based on the merits of candidate countries. He particularly stressed that Brussels will not apply a special accession procedure to Ukraine.