"This is an important and symbolic step to strengthen our relations... This partnership will be strengthened by our decision to ensure a permanent presence in Kyiv," TASS quoted EP President Roberta Metsola as saying.

On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the EU Council start negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on the accession of these countries to the European Union, subject to a number of conditions.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the actual timing of Ukraine's accession to the European Union depends on the implementation of reforms in the country.

Marcel de Graaf, a member of the European Parliament from the Dutch Forum for Democracy party, criticized the European Commission's recommendation to start a dialogue on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.