Ireland set to take presidency of EU in Dublin opening ceremony – Europe live

He wishes Ireland’s best success during the presidency, and says:

“When we face many other challenges both in international affairs and at the national level across Europe, the EU has an opportunity and a responsibility to be a force that brings more stability, more productivity, and basic respect for human life, the kind of life everyone wants for themselves, their children, and their families.”

He says he hopes with Ireland at the helm, the EU will be able to “make real progress on the drone deal that Ukraine has proposed,” and on “supporting every step that makes it harder for Russia to continue [this] war.”

But he also points out to a number of areas where the EU could tighten its rules to put more pressure on Moscow, including on further restrictions on EU companies that still do business with Russia.

Zelenskyy also says he wants to open more accession clusters between Ukraine and the EU to make progress towards accession to the EU.

“Steps like opening new clusters strengthen the motivation of our people, lift the spirit of Ukrainians and show that the EU keeps its promises . It is so important to keep promises and that is exactly how it should be,” he says.

He gets warm applause at the end of his speech.