5 October 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen plans to visit Ukraine today for talks on trade and Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union.
Vanhanen is expected to hold talks with President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, and Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn.
Finland takes over the EU's rotating presidency next July, and last week a senior Finnish lawmaker said it hopes to lead discussions on Ukraine's membership prospects during its six-month tenure.
Ukrainian officials are reportedly encouraged by the EU decision this week to open membership talks with Turkey and Croatia, but they are concerned at signs that Brussels is suffering "expansion fatigue" which could hinder further accessions.
(AP)
See also:
Yushchenko Goes To Brussels To Ask EU For Membership Talks
See RFE/RL's special page European Union Expands Eastward
Finland takes over the EU's rotating presidency next July, and last week a senior Finnish lawmaker said it hopes to lead discussions on Ukraine's membership prospects during its six-month tenure.
Ukrainian officials are reportedly encouraged by the EU decision this week to open membership talks with Turkey and Croatia, but they are concerned at signs that Brussels is suffering "expansion fatigue" which could hinder further accessions.
(AP)
See also:
Yushchenko Goes To Brussels To Ask EU For Membership Talks
See RFE/RL's special page European Union Expands Eastward