The European Commission today presented proposals to the EU Council on a draft negotiation framework for Ukraine and Moldova's accession to the EU, the European Commission said on Tuesday, March 12, UNN reported .
Details
"The European Commission has today submitted to the EU Council proposals for a draft negotiation framework for Ukraine and Moldova following the European Council's decision in December 2023 to start negotiations with both countries and will provide the Council with an oral report on the progress made by both countries in implementing the recommendations contained in the European Commission's report on enlargement of November 8," the statement said.
As noted, the negotiating framework establishes guidelines and principles for accession negotiations with each candidate country.
The draft framework prepared by the European Commission consists of three parts: 1) principles governing the accession negotiations, 2) the substance of the negotiations, and 3) the negotiation procedure. The aim of the negotiations is to ensure that Ukraine and Moldova adopt the EU acquis in its entirety and ensure its full implementation and enforcement.
The draft negotiation framework is reportedly based on the experience of past enlargements and ongoing accession negotiations. It integrates a revised enlargement methodology and takes into account the changing EU acquis.
What's next
"The EU Council will now start internal discussions on these texts. After the Council adopts the negotiating framework, the rotating Presidency of the EU Council will present the agreed common position of the EU at the first intergovernmental conference with each country, marking the official start of accession negotiations. At this stage, the negotiating framework will be made public," the European Commission said.
Previously
Politico reportedthat the European Commission will propose a negotiating framework for Ukraine's accession, but that an agreement to start formal negotiations is unlikely before the June 2024 European Parliament elections.