Ukraine seeking to start EU accession negotiations before June - PM Shmygal

MOSCOW. April 15 (Interfax) - Ukraine is seeking to begin negotiations on joining the European Union before June this year, Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.

"We expect the EU to endorse a negotiating framework for us without delay. We don't see any objective obstacles to this. All European countries are actively supporting us," Ukrainian media quoted Shmygal as saying at a panel discussion titled European Integration of Ukraine, its Regions and Territorial Communities last Friday.

Ukraine has reliable partners in the European Union, which stand ready to help and share their expertise for successfully passing the negotiating process, he said.

Ukraine has done all the necessary homework to begin negotiations on joining the EU, Shmygal said. "The European Commission has confirmed that Ukraine has met all conditions. We've demonstrated collaborative and coordinated work," he said.

While the Ukrainian government stands ready to help territorial communities to draw as much funding from the EU as possible, the key problem is the ability of communities to prepare and submit corresponding projects, Shmygal said. "This should be a priority for communities, as we're gaining access to European funds this year. Ukraine has switched from candidate status to negotiator status, and this affords us more opportunities," he said.