European Commission finalizes stage I screening of Ukrainian and Moldovan laws' compliance with EU legislation

MOSCOW. June 3 (Interfax) - The European Commission has finalized explanatory sessions with Ukraine and Moldova as EU candidates, which is the first stage of verification of national laws' compliance with EU legislation.

"Thirty-two explanatory sessions for all negotiating sections divided into six clusters took place in February-May. Thirty-two delegations of over 80 government agencies and institutions participated in the process," Ukrainian media said, citing a statement by the press service for the Ukrainian deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The European Commission is due to proceed to the next stage of the official screening process in July 2024, when bilateral meetings with candidate states will begin and Ukraine will report progress in harmonizing national laws with EU legislation in every section of negotiations.

The official screening will end with the European Commission's report on Ukrainian laws' compliance with EU legislation in each section of negotiations.

As reported, the EU plans to begin official accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine before the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union that begins on July 1.

The EFE news agency said last week, citing its sources, the Hungarian authorities continued to hinder the beginning of the EU accession talks with Ukraine. The sources said that Hungary still raised serious objections. For instance, the Hungarian government wants the negotiations to demonstrate a different approach to the rights of ethnic minorities in Ukraine. It also demands a different approach to trade, agricultural issues and "neighborly relations" between Ukraine and EU neighbors.

A source told the agency that Budapest agreed to the guidelines for negotiations with Moldova.