Ireland will work to open the next clusters in Ukraine’s negotiations on joining the European Union as quickly as possible.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin made the statement during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

The Prime Minister expressed Ireland’s position that all European countries demonstrating commitment to shared values and meeting EU criteria should have the right to join the EU and enjoy the same benefits that Ireland has had for the past 50 years.

Martin emphasized that support for Ukraine and its EU membership is a central priority of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"We made a good start last week by opening negotiations on the second cluster, and we will work to open the remaining clusters as soon as possible. It is, of course, essential that Ukraine pushes ahead with key reforms, including in the areas of rule of law and judicial reform, remaining steadfast in upholding fundamental values. While not always easy, these reforms are investments in Ukraine's democracy, as well as your long-term resilience and prosperity.," the Irish Prime Minister said.

He also highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s progress on key reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law, and the country’s unwavering commitment to fundamental values.

"While not always easy, these reforms are investments in Ukraine's democracy, as well as your long-term resilience and prosperity," Martin stressed.

The Prime Minister assured that Ireland, as the country holding the EU Presidency, would work toward reaching agreement on the EU’s new sanctions packages against Russia.

As reported by Ukrinform, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin arrived in Ukraine on July 23 for an official visit.

Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.

On July 14, the EU-Ukraine intergovernmental conference officially opened Cluster 6 (External Relations) in Ukraine’s accession negotiations.

In June, the EU officially opened Cluster 1 (Fundamentals) in the negotiations on Ukraine’s accession.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine