In an interview with the German News Agency, Scholz stated that the EU has supported Ukraine together and resolutely since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, and wanted the EU to continue to act in this spirit of unity.
In response to a question about granting Ukraine candidacy status to the EU, Scholz stated that the road to the EU is not an easy one, and that every candidate who wants to embark on this road must fulfill many conditions.
Stating that it is also important for the EU to present concrete things to the candidates that there is progress, Scholz said, “Otherwise, there will be a feeling that the candidacy status leads to nothing. We must show the countries in the Western Balkans that we are serious. Albania and North Macedonia meet all the conditions to start concrete negotiations on EU membership. This[negotiations]must begin now.” he said.
Stating that the EU also needs to renew itself, Scholz said, “The EU should prepare itself for enlargement. For this, it should modernize its structures and decision-making processes.” said.
Scholz noted that everything that has been decided unanimously today does not always require unanimity, and that they will discuss this alongside other issues at the EU Leaders’ Summit.
Stating that the quick fulfillment of the conditions for EU accession is in the hands of the countries and their citizens, Scholz said, “Former Macedonia changed its name to North Macedonia to resolve a dispute with Greece and was not rewarded for doing so. This should not happen again. Candidate status. We don’t want hope to lead to disappointment.” used the phrases.
‘WE SUPPORT EFFORTS TO OPEN EXPORT CORRORS FOR UKRAINIAN GRAIN’
Prime Minister Scholz also evaluated the food crisis in the world. Scholz stated that the war initiated by Russia in Ukraine has consequences for the whole world.
Pointing to the need for global solidarity on this issue, Scholz said, “We have launched a global initiative to ensure food safety. The granaries in Ukraine are full. Millions of tons of grain are waiting to be exported.” said.
Stating that Ukraine had to mine its ports to protect against Russian attacks from the Black Sea, Scholz said, “We support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to open export corridors for Ukrainian grain. Negotiations have been going on for a long time and come and go. It is necessary to hope for an agreement for the world “Russia must ensure that it allows safe transport, and at the same time credibly guarantee that it will not use such a corridor to invade.” made its assessment.
Asked whether he would consider enlisting the United Nations mission for transportation to Ukrainian ports, Scholz replied that all of these issues are currently being discussed, but public speculation about them would only complicate these difficult negotiations.
G7 SUMMIT
Chancellor Scholz stated that climate change, digitalization and democracy will be among the topics to be discussed at the G7 Summit, which will be held at the Elmau Palace in Bavaria on 26-28 June under the term presidency of Germany.
Stating that he would be very pleased if a unity signal emerged from this summit, Scholz said, “If the summit can be a starting point to bring a new perspective to the world of democracy, it will be a special success.” he said.
Stating that the world will be more multipolar than it is today in 30 years, Scholz said, “There will be many power centers. Not just two or three. However, if we can make this world work together and democracies play a central role here, that would be a big step forward.” said.
Scholz also referred to his visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and said that Russia’s war against Ukraine has left terrible destructions behind, with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to attack Ukraine. He said he had taken on a terrible crime.
(AA)