Next step on the way to EU membership: Ukraine and the European Commission start screening meetings

Bilateral meetings have begun between Ukraine and the European Commission as part of the screening process, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration reported on July 8, UNN reports.

Details

"On July 8, the first bilateral meeting between Ukraine and the EU began in Brussels, Belgium, to assess the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law. This is the next important step on the path to EU membership," the office said.

Reportedly, this will be a two-day meeting between the European Commission and Ukraine as part of the official screening of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law. And it is devoted  to the negotiating chapter 5 "Public Procurement". "This section is part of cluster 1, 'Fundamentals of the EU accession process' - this cluster is the first to be opened and the last to be closed during the negotiations," the office added.

The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Nadiya Bihun. The meeting is being held in a hybrid format with the main part of the Ukrainian delegation present in Brussels.

"During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation will present the state of approximation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law  in the field of public procurement, as well as the sector's institutional capacity, anti-corruption measures, and a plan for full approximation of legislation to EU law," the office said.

"This is a truly historic moment for our country, as we are entering a stage of powerful transformations that should help us build a better Ukraine and become a worthy member of the European family," said Bigun.

For reference

During the official screening, the European Commission, together with the candidate country, analyzes the compliance of the national legislation of the candidate country with the relevant EU acquis (EU law). The screening takes place under 33 negotiating chapters, which are grouped into 6 clusters (thematic blocks). From February to May , the first stage of the screening process was held - explanatory sessions with Ukraine and Moldova, candidate countries for EU accession.

Based on the results of the screening, the European Commission will prepare a report on the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law for each negotiation cluster. This document will finally clarify the level of compliance and the further scope of work.