Huge breaking news news!!! 🇪🇺 Member States have just agreed to OFFICIALLY OPEN 🇪🇺 ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS with Ukraine 🇺🇦 & Moldova 🇲🇩!!!!! The first to open will be the First Cluster, so called Fundamentals Cluster. This was long in coming. Teams on all sides are prepared to hit the ground running. Congratulations Ukraine 🇺🇦!!! Congratulations Moldova 🇲🇩!!! @EUDelegationUA

On Monday, Ukraine and Moldova will take their biggest step since opening EU accession negotiations in 2023. Congratulations to both countries for their dedication and devotion to the European path. Tonight’s decision by Member States to give the green light to opening the fundamentals cluster gives new impetus to ongoing negotiations. This is truly a moment to celebrate. And a time to roll up our sleeves and work even harder.

Great to speak at the launch of 🇪🇺 #EU4PFM Phase III. Over the years, 🇪🇺 has invested €75 million in supporting development of 🇺🇦 public finance management system - a cornerstone of the country’s resilience, reconstruction & EU accession. #TeamEurope 🇫🇷🇱🇹🇵🇱 continues to stand with 🇺🇦 in advancing key public finance reforms & strengthening transparent institutions, as 🇺🇦 prepares to accede to 🇪🇺.

Glad to take part in #Environment4Ukraine Forum at the invitation of @OleksiiSobolev. 🇺🇦 now has an opportunity to rebuild through green economy & it is a must. Today’s discussion follows the Government’s adoption of the National Programme to align Ukrainian legislation with 🇪🇺 acquis. Civil society organisations and government are doing a great job & we are here to help. 🇪🇺🇸🇪🤝🇺🇦

Spoke at @EUACI_Ukraine event on integrity, decentralisation & good governance in Ukrainian cities. Decentralization reform is one of the most effective in 🇺🇦. It has empowered communities & local leaders to deliver for citizens. Through EUACI & other programs 🇪🇺 🇩🇰 supporting 🇺🇦 local government in advancing reforms & delivering tangible real results for its people. Strong local governance is not only key to fighting corruption, it is fundamental to investments. 🇺🇦🤝🇪🇺

Was glad to moderate an important discussion on Ukraine’s EU accession w/ @MartaKosEU, @taraskachka, @OlekKorn & @rumeliobserver yesterday in Kyiv. Conversation focused on how to keep 🇺🇦 accession process moving forward & make this historic opportunity a success for both 🇺🇦 & 🇪🇺. Opening Cluster I in June, followed by progress on the remaining clusters, is the next crucial step on 🇺🇦 accession path. Continued reforms & progress on the rule of law are the key.

Welcome proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia. As Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians, the 🇪🇺 is maintaining pressure where it matters most. 21th package targets Russia’s energy revenues, banks & crypto channels, trade & the shadow fleet. Our sanctions are working. We stand with Ukraine 🇪🇺🤝🇺🇦

Yesterday was glad to welcome CSSR @MartaKosEU back to Kyiv. 🇺🇦🤝🇪🇺 Full day of meetings & discussions. We laid flowers at Lukianivka, at the site of five-storey residential building destroyed by a Russian attack on 24 May, honouring the victims. Cssr Kos agenda reflected what matters most: a broad dialogue on reforms, 🇪🇺 accession & the rule of law.

Today I will tell you the story of Lukianivskyi Market. It is not an ordinary market. It is one of the oldest markets in Kyiv. And very popular. It has become a symbol of Ukraine, its strength and resilience. On the night of 23–24 May, Kyiv was hit by the largest Russian missile and drone attacks. Russia launched 600 drones and 90 missiles on Ukraine that night! The offensive destroyed the oldest modern Kvadrat shopping centre, the Lukianivska metro station, residential buildings and almost completely destroyed the Lukianivskyi Market. Dozens of market stalls were reduced to ashes and twisted metal structures. It looked like a place where life had come to an end. But Ukraine, and everything Ukrainian - its cities and its people - have a remarkable ability. They are like the mythical Phoenix. Whenever someone tries to break them, they rise again, and stronger than before. Lukianivskyi Market rose from its own ashes. Next to the destroyed market, a new one appeared. Not built of concrete and steel, but of ordinary tables, tarpaulins and the determination of people who refused to give up. They sell vegetables, flowers and bread. Customers are returning. Because LIFE GOES ON! When you look at Lukianivskyi Market today, you do not just see vendors. You see the spirit of an entire country that never gives up and fights for its future. Today I returned to the market with Commissioner Kos (will write more about her visit tomorrow). I went to buy fruits. I have travelled to many countries and visited countless markets. None of them, however, carries within it a story and a strength quite like Lukianivskyi Market. Missiles can destroy buildings. But they cannot destroy the powerful, immortal spirit of Ukraine. 🇪🇺🤝🇺🇦

Reforms matter. Results matter. Today 🇪🇺 disburses €2.8 bln under Ukraine Facility. This recognises Ukraine’s continued progress in implementing reforms under #UkrainePlan, bringing 🇺🇦 also ever closer to 🇪🇺 membership.

On Day of Journalists I extend my deepest respect & gratitude to all journalists in Ukraine who continue to serve the public w/courage professionalism & integrity. 🇪🇺 is committed to supporting media freedom & protecting journalists especially against vicious RU attacks. 🇪🇺🤝🇺🇦

🎬 Happy to open the 23rd @DocudaysUA in Kyiv last evening. Since 2018, the EU has contributed over €1.7M to support documentary filmmaking, human rights education & civic engagement across Ukraine.🇪🇺🤝🇺🇦 📽️Great films are waiting for you, check the programme: docudays.ua

🤝Productive meeting w/ EU member-states ambassadors & leader of @Euro_Solidarity @poroshenko and @kiraincongress leader of @GolosZmin party. We discussed Ukraine’s EU accession path, key reforms, anti-corruption efforts & priorities in 🇺🇦Parliament. Grateful for the meaningful exchange & continued cooperation. 🇺🇦🇪🇺

🧸Today, w/ @ZelenskyyUa commemorate children killed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. At least 707 innocent kids were killed. Children don’t start wars, but they suffer most. We will continue to protect, seek justice & hold Russia accountable. 🕯️🇺🇦🤝🇪🇺

We are all here. G7

Great news!! Ukraine and Hungary have reached an agreement on the protection of minority rights, a key pillar to EU accession. This paves the way to opening accession clusters! @EUDelegationUA

Another horrific night for Ukraine.💔 Russia launched 656 drones & 73 missiles, killing civilians, including a child, destroying homes & critical infrastructure. Behind every number is a human life. I know you are hurting, Ukraine. But you will endure! 🇪🇺🤝🇺🇦