Next year, Ukraine should work out a framework for negotiations with the European Union and begin the process of full integration of all institutions into EU standards, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said at a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Lviv, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
"I want to emphasise that this is not only legislative work on laws and regulations, but also on the realities of our lives, which should be exactly the realities to really feel that Ukraine is ready for accession. This is a common task for everyone in Ukraine who works in the system of state and local government. European integration policy is Ukraine's domestic policy," he said.
Zelenskyy noted the importance of "having as many communities in Europe as possible that support rapprochement with Ukraine. There should be much more such work at the local level".
The president noted that "if someone in any position, whether in the state or in local government, for some reason believes that the war is somewhere else, and they can supposedly deal with something else, let's say, a priority issue, then this is a big mistake that needs to be corrected, and we will correct it".
"I would like to see everything done locally for our victory. From the allocation of funds No. 1 to other issues that the community may found embarrassing later. I ask you not to distract us from the war," he said.
As reported, on 14 December, EU leaders decided to start negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on joining the EU.