European Council President Antonio Costa said on Thursday he wanted accession talks with Ukraine to begin as soon as possible, stressing the importance of maintaining momentum in the European Union’s enlargement process.

Speaking to reporters in Oslo after meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, Costa said: “We want to formally start negotiations as soon as possible and make progress in the enlargement process.”

“I cannot confirm whether that will happen in 2026 or 2027 or later, but maintaining momentum is crucial,” he added.

Costa said Ukraine continued to implement the reforms required for EU membership despite the ongoing war with Russia, expressing admiration for the progress made.