(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Some European officials are trying to push their wishes ahead of the European Commission's assessment of Ukraine's progress in European integration, and certain unfriendly countries are trying to downplay
it and devalue the efforts of our state.

"Today we already see that some countries or even some European officials resort to manipulations, trying to push some of their personal wishes into the documents prepared by the European Commission. We also see that certain unfriendly countries try to downplay the assessment of Ukraine's progress and, let's say, devalue some of our efforts," Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna said during the United News national telethon.

The Deputy PM emphasized that the Ukrainian side saw everything, worked individually and called on its friends not to give room for manipulation, especially when it comes to the European integration of Ukraine.

"This is, first and foremost, the choice of the Ukrainian people, so I am sure that our positions are strong, and we will reach a good political decision in December," the official added.

As reported, Ukraine received the EU candidate status in June 2022. The country is required to fulfill seven criteria related to the fight against corruption, respect for freedoms, etc. The European Commission is expected to give an assessment of Ukraine's progress on November 8, on which the transition to the next stage – accession negotiations – will depend. Ukraine hopes that such negotiations will begin at the end of 2023.

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