Latest news with #Fundamentals
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine completes internal procedures to open first cluster in EU negotiations
The Ukrainian government has today (14 May) approved the roadmaps necessary to open the first cluster in the pre-accession negotiations between Ukraine and the EU. Source: Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Telegram, as reported by European Pravda Details: The roadmaps pertain to the rule of law, public administration reform and the functioning of democratic institutions. "They are fully consistent with Ukraine's international obligations, our strategic and policy documents," Shmyhal said. The government has also approved the negotiating position on the first cluster of negotiations, Fundamentals. "Our goals are unchanged: to open negotiations on all six negotiating clusters this year, and to become an integral part of a united Europe after the war is over," Shmyhal noted. Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, noted on X (Twitter) that Ukraine has thus completed all internal steps to open the first negotiation cluster. "Ukraine's commitment is unwavering. Despite the war, we continue transformations to join the EU as a strong, capable member," Stefanishyna tweeted. Roadmaps on the rule of law and public administration are a condition for the opening of negotiations on Cluster 1, Fundamentals, the Ukrainian Government Office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration said. Background: Hungary has not yet lifted its veto on the actual opening of accession talks between Ukraine and the EU. Meanwhile, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, remarked in Lviv that the EU is preparing a plan B in response to Hungary's veto. Bloomberg reported that the EU is discussing ways to prevent Hungary from disrupting the actual start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Read more about Hungary's intentions in the article: Orbán sidelines Ukraine, helps Moldova. What might happen to Kyiv's EU dream with Hungary's veto Support Ukrainska Pravda on !
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukrainian civil society calls on EU to overcome Hungary's veto on accession talks
Dozens of Ukrainian civil society organisations have signed an appeal calling on the foreign ministers of EU member states to find a way to unblock the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine – currently held up by Hungary's opposition. Source: The appeal, initiated by the Ukrainian Centre for European Policy and the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform, that has been signed by numerous civil society groups, including European Pravda. Details: The open letter warns that Ukraine's integration into the EU "faces challenges, as bilateral issues might obstruct the overall accession negotiation process" – a veiled reference to Hungary. It urges EU ministers to increase their efforts towards building a consensus among EU member states with regard to the opening of Cluster 1, Fundamentals, for Ukraine. "At this stage, Ukraine has completed its 'pre-accession homework'. However, moving forward now requires approval and support of the EU Member States for it to officially open Cluster 1, Fundamentals. This decision will benefit Ukraine as a candidate country and the EU as a whole," the letter reads. The signatories emphasise that taking concrete steps forward in the accession process and maintaining a credible prospect for full EU membership serves as a strong motivator for Ukrainian politicians to implement reforms effectively and to the full extent. They also note that reforms within the first negotiation cluster, Fundamentals, will further enhance democratic transformations in Ukraine, and that civil society is ready to monitor their effective implementation: "We fully support the idea that the accession process should follow a merit-based methodology. To this end, we stand ready to cooperate with EU Member States by providing our analytical reports on the accession negotiation process." Background: Ukraine and the European Commission had ambitious plans for progressing accession talks in 2025, but Hungary's veto has become a major obstacle. Recently, there have been signs that the European Union was considering continuing Moldova's accession process separately from Ukraine amid Hungary's opposition to negotiations with Kyiv. Following talks in Budapest on 29 April, Ukraine and Hungary agreed to hold regular talks with the aim of unblocking Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EU confirms it may separate Ukraine and Moldova on their path to membership
The European Union is considering continuing Moldova's accession process separately from Ukraine amid Hungary's opposition to negotiations with Kyiv. Source: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kos said she couldn't rule out a "decoupling" of the two countries on the path to EU membership as early as June, when several enlargement-related decisions are expected in Brussels. Her statement comes against the backdrop of Hungary blocking progress on Ukraine's accession talks. "We are discussing already with the member states what to do because no member state is against starting to open the first cluster [of accession chapters] with Moldova," Kos noted. She added that Hungary is the only EU member state opposing Ukraine's accession. Until now, Moldova and Ukraine had moved forward together in the EU accession process and were viewed as moving in tandem. Last year, the EU's 27 member states gave the green light to start accession negotiations with both candidate countries, but no chapter of the negotiations has yet been opened. Talks with Ukraine are being blocked by Hungary, which has raised a number of obstacles, including demands for expanded rights for the Hungarian minority. Kos believes there is even a possibility that Moldova could become an EU member before the end of her mandate in 2029. She noted it would be considered a "failure if we will not get any newcomers into the EU in the times of the present European Commission". "Moldova is really a good student in the whole group. They really feel this historical moment," Kos added. She expressed regret that Hungary is politicising Ukraine's accession process. Budapest has even organised a consultative poll on Ukraine's EU membership, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly voted against it. "Ukraine has done enough, I can tell you from my personal experience because I was facilitating the dialogue between Hungary and Ukraine," Kos said. She stated that Hungary has presented many demands for negotiation, and Ukraine is ready to fulfil them all. "But this is not enough for Hungary," Kos concluded. Background: European Pravda sources recently reported that if Hungary continues to block the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine's EU accession, Moldova, which began negotiations at the same time and is also ready to open Cluster 1, Fundamentals, may do so earlier. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine had achieved the fastest pace of the accession process among all of the countries that have ever sought to become an EU member. The European Commission said that the process of screening (checking the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law) within the framework of accession negotiations with Ukraine is proceeding at an unprecedented speed for the European Union. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EU says it cannot open negotiation clusters with Ukraine without Hungary's consent
Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka said on 18 March in Brussels that the European Commission and Poland, which holds the EU presidency in the first half of 2025, are ready to open negotiating clusters with Ukraine, in particular the first cluster, Fundamentals. However, this process requires unanimous support from all 27 EU states and is unfortunately being blocked by Hungary. Source: Adam Szłapka, answering the questions of a European Pravda correspondent Quote: "You know the political situation in terms of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Hungary. We are, as I always say, determined as the Polish presidency to move the EU enlargement process forward. This is one of our priorities." Details: At the same time, the European Commission confirmed that the EU is currently unable to open the first cluster in the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU due to Hungary's blocking of the process. Szłapka said that the European Commission is also "very determined" to conduct a screening process of Ukrainian legislation. "So we are ready to work on that, but we need unanimity, unfortunately," the Polish minister stated. "We hope that this (opening of clusters in negotiations with Ukraine) will be a process based on achievements and should be based on arguments, not on political issues," Adam Szłapka expressed hope. "Enlargement will remain a priority for this Commission. For Ukraine, we opened the accession process in June 2024. This was a recognition of Ukraine's determination to move forward with its EU path and implement transformational reforms, despite the ongoing aggressive war by Russia. Until now, Ukraine has been making steady progress towards EU membership," European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said at a briefing on 18 March. He clarified that Ukraine is currently "undergoing bilateral screening reports, which will last until the autumn of this year". "Provided all the necessary requirements are met, the European Commission expects the first cluster, Fundamentals, to open as soon as possible in 2025. But this requires the consent of all member states," the spokesperson said. "In these circumstances, the unanimity requirement is an obstacle. We need all member states to agree. The Commission has given its assessment, and we believe we can open the first cluster. But now we need the agreement of all member states," Guillaume Mercier concluded. Background: This year, the European Commission announced ambitious plans to open three clusters of negotiations between Ukraine and the EU before the end of the Polish presidency in June 2025. However, in mid-February, it became known that Hungary had blocked the opening of the first negotiation cluster and demanded to expand the list of requirements for Ukraine. Read also: Easing martial law, reforms by 2027: what the EU expects of Ukraine on its path to membership Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for March 17- 21
Each week readers vote on central Indiana students who were nominated by their schools for their excellence in the classroom and beyond. Readers can vote for their favorite student throughout the week at the bottom of this story, with polling closing at noon on Thursday, March 20. The winner is announced Friday. This contest aims to introduce readers not just to the student who winds up winning but to all of the highly accomplished nominees. Here's what nominating school leaders had to say about this week's nominees: More Ed News to know: Trump wants to dismantle the Education Dept. Here's what that means for Indiana schools Recent Ed News: DOE warns IU, other campuses of 'potential enforcement actions' in civil rights investigations All of Eduar's hard work is paying off. He recently passed the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification, has been hired by IPS to repair student Chromebooks (he has repaired over 400), and has been accepted to Purdue, his university of choice. Eduar is a great all around student. Lydia is the type of student every teacher wants to have in class. She is always prepared, always ready to participate, has high integrity, and is highly trustworthy. She is a great example of what it means to be a Flash! Jaymee Williams is a standout both in and out of the classroom. A leader on the lacrosse and soccer teams, Jaymee's dedication extends beyond the field as a volunteer at her church and a skilled video producer, managing social media content for her church and contributing to the school's student-led TV broadcast. Known for her reliability and maturity, she plays a key role as a counseling assistant, always the first to lend a hand. On track to earn an academic honors diploma, Jaymee has tackled AP and dual credit courses with plans to pursue computer science in college. Her hard work and leadership make her a deserving Indy Star Student of the Week! Will's kindness has been a tremendous asset to Campus Ministry. He stepped up as a leader for both NestFest and the Junior Retreat, offering guidance and support with a positive attitude. His ability to connect with others and lead with compassion makes him a natural role model for his peers. Will consistently embodies the values of service and faith, contributing greatly to the mission at Guerin Catholic. His dedication and selflessness have made a lasting impact on the Guerin Catholic campus community. Melina raised her required math course bar by jumping up from regular Geometry to Honors Geometry and has been impressive, daily! She also lifts others around her with her motivational words, methods for studying, time management, and demonstrating wonderfully what hard work looks like to other students. Garrett Green is a dedicated student-athlete, he participates in soccer, football, and band, demonstrating strong leadership and teamwork. His ability to balance academics with extracurricular activities showcases his determination and discipline. Garrett is known for his positive attitude, perseverance, and willingness to support those around him. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or playing music, he brings energy and commitment to everything he does. His leadership and dedication make him a deserving nominee, as he continues to inspire and uplift his peers at Tindley. Addie Dean has a 3.83 G.P.A. She is President of both F.F.A. and Interact. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, Sources of Strength, and Red and Blue Crew. Addie letters in Varsity Tennis and M.H.S. Cheer, and she recently won 1st Place in the Martinsville Rotary Club Speech Contest. She also participates in Summer and Winter Cheer Clinics and shows swine and cattle as a member of Morgan County 4-H. Sophia Beeson is a four-year member of the Cathedral tennis team and was recently named District Student of the Year at the Indiana Speech and Debate Competition. She is a ten-year member of 4-H and has won four Indiana State Fair championships in Public Speaking. Sophia has a 4.49 grade point average. Roncalli English teacher Cassie McGill nominates Ruth due to the fact that "Ruth is always willing to seek and apply constructive criticism, seeks excellence, and is ever positive. She is much appreciated!" Mrs. McGill also cites a high degree of participation and keen and insightful participation in classroom discussions. Keep up with school news: Sign up for Study Hall, IndyStar's free weekly education newsletter. Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@ Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for March 17- 21
