Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday urged the EU to open the 'Fundamentals' cluster of accession negotiations, stressing that Kyiv had completed its internal screening process for EU legislation faster than any previous candidate.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that Ukraine is fully prepared to open Cluster 1 in the EU membership talks, known as the 'Fundamentals' cluster. He emphasized the necessity for real progress and mentioned that he had informed the European Council participants about Ukraine's readiness.

Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine's efforts are not solely focused on its own membership but also on Moldova, which he noted has demonstrated a clear European choice, as well as the Western Balkan states, which he believes deserve EU membership. He stressed the importance of Europe fulfilling its promises as candidate countries are fulfilling theirs.

Ukraine officially began accession talks with the EU in June, following its grant of candidate status in 2022 amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Moldova is also recognized as a candidate country, while several Western Balkan states are at various stages of the EU enlargement process.