The Irish Government is set to push for swift progress on Ukraine's application to join the European Union during its upcoming presidency of the EU Council from July to December 2023. A draft policy document outlines Ireland's ambition to facilitate the first EU enlargement in over a decade, focusing on Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro. The government aims to finalize Montenegro's accession negotiations, which began in 2008, potentially allowing the country to join the EU by 2028. The urgency for EU expansion has increased following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many candidate countries expressing frustration over previous delays in negotiations. While there is broad support for Ukraine's bid, significant concerns from major EU powers like France and the Netherlands about hastening the process remain. The European Commission is expected to propose opening the first negotiating chapters for Ukraine next month, marking a pivotal moment in the EU's enlargement agenda.