Kachka: EU Responds Positively to Ukraine's Requests for Transition Periods in Accession Talks

The initiation of negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union, specifically focusing on clusters 3, 4, and 5, has demonstrated a positive reception from European partners towards Kyiv's requests for transition periods. These transition periods pertain to the implementation of substantial legislative changes required for EU membership. Taras Kachka, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, shared these insights during a recent meeting with journalists, as reported by a correspondent from 'European Truth.'

As part of the accession negotiations, candidate countries are generally required to report on their adoption of the entire body of EU legislation. However, the negotiations can also address justified delays in the implementation of certain norms. Ukraine has submitted its requests for such transition periods, although this information remains confidential. Kachka elaborated that the EU had already provided preliminary consent regarding these transition periods as early as March 17, when it officially communicated the conditions for Ukraine's accession, including the criteria or 'benchmarks' for negotiation clusters 3, 4, and 5.

"We received very realistic and favorable benchmarks, as the majority of our requests for transition periods were acknowledged by the EU. We requested many transition periods, particularly concerning environmental issues, energy efficiency, and other areas related to cluster 4. Additionally, for the agricultural cluster number 5, we received very good benchmarks for chapter 11, and there is also a clear understanding regarding transition issues related to food security in chapter 12. In reality, the feedback we received is quite positive," Kachka remarked, expressing his assessment of the negotiations.

In response to a question from 'European Truth,' Kachka explained that the EU side formulates its agreement by indicating in the documented conditions of accession that it "understands Ukraine's requests" on various issues. "Now our task is to submit implementation plans to the EU, outlining how we envision our actions during these transition periods and what we will be doing in that time frame," he added.

It was previously reported that in March, EU Commissioner Kos announced that all clusters were 'unofficially open' for Ukraine. For further reading on transition periods, refer to the article titled 'Exceptions During EU Accession.' Additionally, we have covered preparations for negotiations on agricultural chapters in the article 'Negotiations on Food: Why Ukrainian Agriculture Scares the EU.' Also, check out the article 'Toll Roads, Replacement of 'Rights,' and Mandatory Technical Inspections: How the Move Towards the EU Will Affect Every Ukrainian.' Subscribe to 'European Truth' for more updates!

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