In addition to arms aid, Ukraine also hopes for a quick start of EU membership negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyi was not joking when he delayed the start of membership negotiations this year.
Rikhard HusuEU correspondent
BRUSSELS When I talk about this year, I mean this year, Charles, the year 2023. 2-0-2-3.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi did not mince words when asked when Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations should begin.
The direct comment was addressed to the President of the European Council To Charles Michel, which is hosting the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels. Michelin’s ungrateful task is to broker an agreement between the leaders of the EU countries in sessions that stretch into the morning.
I promise to do my best, Micheli acknowledged. The comment sparked laughter among the journalists following the press conference: the challenges of EU enlargement are known in Brussels.
Ukraine took a step closer EU membership, when the European Council granted it the status of a candidate country at the summit held in June.
The heroic struggle for their homeland and European values contributed to the emergence of a unanimous decision.
Granting candidate status was also seen to have symbolic value for the country under attack.
However, starting the actual membership negotiations is a completely different decision, which can take years even under normal circumstances.
The minimum requirements for starting negotiations are that Ukraine strengthens its judiciary, eradicates corruption and limits the influence of the oligarchs.
Implementation of social reforms in the middle of a war can seem like an impossible task. the president of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen according to Ukraine is making progress in its goals despite the war.
However, Von der Leyen did not take a position on when it is possible to open membership negotiations. He emphasized that the progress of the process depends on the progress in Ukraine.
The prime minister was also on the same lines Sanna Marin (sd.), who emphasized that Finland supports Ukraine in achieving its goals.
Several Eastern Central European countries have emphasized that the situation of war-torn Ukraine and other applicant countries cannot be compared, and that a customized solution should be found for the exceptional situation.
Union enlargement is which has traditionally caused contradictions in the EU, Ukraine’s membership process is no exception in this respect.
However, the discussion about EU enlargement has gained a new momentum, fueled by the war in Ukraine. Back in the spring, Ukraine’s chances of becoming a candidate country were generally doubted in EU circles.
For Ukraine, the status of a candidate country is anything but symbolic. This was emphasized in President Zelenskyi’s speeches in Brussels.
He especially emphasized the importance of the EU perspective for Ukrainian soldiers engaged in defensive combat.
The EU is under pressure to meet Ukraine’s high expectations.