New European Council president confirms Ukraine's prospective entry into EU while visiting Kiev

BRUSSELS. Dec 2 (Interfax) - Brussels is looking forward to welcoming Ukraine to the European Union, European Council President Antonio Costa said on his first day in office, while visiting Kiev on Sunday.

"You are part of the European family. [...] Together, the European Union and Ukraine will work to open at least two clusters of your accession negotiations during the first semester of next year. Already, gradual integration is starting in different policy areas, such as roaming, and a number of products across of next year could be trade as if Ukraine is already in the single market," Costa said.

He called Ukraine's progress on the way to the EU and its "deep reforms" impressive.

The EU will be supporting Ukraine "as long as necessary and whatever it takes," Costa said.

"We will do our utmost to see you in the European Union as a free European nation as soon as possible. I am looking forward to seeing you in Brussels at the next European Council in two weeks," he said.