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Budrys discussed preparations for EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in calls with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and EU Enlargement Commissioner

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-08-28

On 28 August, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys held telephone conversations with Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement to discuss preparations for opening the first negotiation cluster, "Fundamentals," with Ukraine and Moldova.

During the conversations, the Minister emphasized Lithuania's strong support for the swift integration of both Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union. According to Budrys, Lithuania's position is clear - 2030 must remain the target date for Ukraine's EU membership.

"Ukraine's EU membership is the strongest security guarantee for Ukraine itself and for Europe as a whole. Therefore, it is essential to urgently open negotiations with Ukraine on the first group of clusters at the level of all 27 EU member states, and by the end of 2025 - on the remaining clusters. Ukraine's motivation to continue the necessary reforms also depends on the fulfilment of the EU's commitments. By starting accession negotiations now, we will provide the proper framework for Ukraine's reform progress," said the Minister.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized that Moldova's separation from Ukraine in the process of joining the European Union is not acceptable.

"If there is no agreement among the 27 EU member states, it is important to find a way forward on the EU 26 track until full support all the member countries of the European Union is secured. Negotiations on the EU 26 track must take place with both countries - Ukraine and Moldova," said Budrys.

The Minister reafirmed that Lithuania would continue to actively support Ukraine's democratic reform process and the efforts of the international community to achieve a just and sustainable peace.