EU ministers are discussing Ukraine's application for membership today
EU Affairs Ministers meet today in the framework of the EU General Affairs Council, preparing for the upcoming two summits of leaders
On the agenda are initially Ukraine, financial and humanitarian aid from the EU, energy and food consequences for Europe and the world, but also Kyiv's application for membership in the European Union.
Several ministers have voiced support for Ukraine's EU bid before the start of the council, but are waiting for the European Commission to issue an expert opinion first.
This opinion is expected in June, and then will be the subject of discussion by EU leaders at the summit in late June.
Austrian EU Minister Carolyn Estatler, among others, said that it should not be forgotten that membership negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia should begin, which are waiting for the formal start of this process in March 2020.
One of the most important topics for the ministers today will be the EU energy security and preparations for the winter, while the countries are negotiating a new package of sanctions against the oil sector in Russia, a topic on which they still fail to reach an agreement.
European ministers will also discuss food security, as Russia and Ukraine are the two most important exporters of cereals not only to Europe but to much of the world.
The hearing of Ukraine within the rule of law procedure is also on the agenda today. t