Zelenskyy on Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU: There are chances to open five negotiation clusters in July 01.07.2026 10:17 Ukrinform President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Cyprus for its fruitful presidency of the Council of the European Union, congratulated Ireland on its start of the presidency, and expressed hope that the remaining five negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s accession to the EU could be opened in July.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on social network X, Ukrinform reports.
“I thank Cyprus for its fruitful and meaningful presidency of the Council of the European Union. Over these six months, we managed to open the first cluster and officially start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. We activated the EU’s financial support package of 90 billion euros. The 20th package of sanctions against Russia was approved. All these historic steps have made Ukraine and our Europe stronger. I am grateful for such effective work and our cooperation,” he wrote.
Zelenskyy informed that Ireland begins its presidency of the Council of the European Union today.
“We congratulate and sincerely hope that we will not lose a single month in this half-year. Now, in July, there are high chances to open the remaining five negotiation clusters. There are no significant obstacles to this. We also expect that fair pressure on Russia will be expanded,” he noted.
According to the President, now is the moment when, due to Ukraine’s long-range and medium-range sanctions, Russia has become particularly sensitive. He emphasized that these successes should be supported by decisive new steps from Europe and our other partners.
“It is no less important for the European Union to be as effective as possible in all programs that strengthen Europe, particularly in our joint defense cooperation. Ukraine is ready for active work, as our common strength and unity are the foundation of our common security,” added the head of state.
As Ukrinform reported, Ireland has identified support for Ukraine as one of the priorities of its future presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.
Photo: OP
European Union Ireland Zelenskyy