France to back proposal on starting EU accession talks with Ukraine - Macron

PARIS. Dec 11 (Interfax) - French President Emmanuel Macron has reassured Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky that France would support the proposal on starting EU accession talks with Ukraine at the EU summit on December 14-15, Le Figaro said, citing the French presidential administration.

During a phone call, Macron welcomed the Ukrainian parliament's adoption of "a number of important bills, including those on the rights of ethnic minorities, the judiciary reform, and anti-corruption measures" on December 8-9, the media outlet said.

"Ukraine thus demonstrates its determination to instantly respond to the European Commission's recommendations," the presidential administration said.

The EU heads of state and government will voice their opinion on the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine at their summit in Brussels on December 14-15. For now, the consensus is obstructed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Le Figaro said.

Orban reaffirmed his opinion that Ukraine was not ready for the talks while he met with Macron in Paris on December 7.