Zelenskyy calls on EU leaders to end “artificial blockade” of Ukraine’s membership path
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on EU countries at a EU leaders summit in Brussels on October 23, 2025, to find a way to open accession negotiation clusters for Ukraine.
The president stressed that the prolonged blockade of Ukraine’s movement towards EU membership is unfair and harmful for both Ukraine and Europe.
“Ukraine has done everything needed to open the clusters on time. The blockade is artificial, and we need to find a way to move forward,” Zelenskyy stated.
He emphasized that EU enlargement means greater stability for Europe and is also part of collective defense and geopolitical security.
“I urge you to find a way for the EU to keep its promise, just like Ukraine is keeping its own,” the president added.
By way of background, the leaders of 26 EU member states are expected to adopt a decision at the Brussels summit confirming that Ukraine is ready to begin negotiations with the EU on three clusters.
Previously, ZMINA reported that a coalition of Ukrainian civil society published a shadow report on Ukraine’s progress in meeting the requirements of Chapters 23 and 24 of the upcoming EU accession negotiations.
