EU debating whether to make Ukraine the bloc’s official candidate

BRUSSELS (EP)—European Union leaders on Thursday aimed to nominate Ukraine to become a member of a 27-nation bloc; this is the first step towards a long and unpredictable full membership that could take many years.

Making Ukraine a challenger today is like a sealed deal after the country’s leaders first parted ways on how to quickly accept the war-torn country’s bid to join the EU, presented by the Ukrainian government a few days after Russia invaded the neighboring country. looks. 2 February 24.

Ukraine will get the unanimous approval it needs to gain candidate status and begin eligibility talks, according to some diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity before the leaders’ summit in Brussels.

“This is a decisive moment for the European Union,” said Charles Michel, head of the EU summit, describing Ukraine’s candidacy as “a geopolitical choice we will make today”.

Hours before the summit, members of the European Parliament supported Ukraine’s proposal and voted in favor of a resolution urging EU heads of state and government to “act without delay” and “fulfill their historic responsibilities”.

The 27 EU countries have united to support Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression, passing unprecedented economic sanctions against Moscow. But leaders were initially divided over how quickly the EU should admit Ukraine, with the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark the most skeptical of these countries.

But Ukraine’s proposal gained support last week when it was approved by the EU’s executive body, the European Commission, based on the country’s responses to a survey taken in April and early May.

European Commission gives Ukraine the green light on its path to membership, but highlights concerns https://t.co/YZRCxpDGx9

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The visit of the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania to the country and vowing to support his candidacy once again spurred Ukraine into action.

This is another proof of how important EU candidacy is for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he met with 11 EU leaders on Wednesday, after speaking by phone with nine people the previous day. He said the meeting in Brussels would be “a historic session of the Council of Europe”.

However, candidate status in the EU does not automatically entitle you to join the bloc and does not provide any guarantee of security.

Accession talks are likely to start before next year, as the possibility of dragging down the war in the long run raises uncertainty.

The start of accession negotiations depends on Ukraine’s fulfillment of the basic political and economic conditions.

To be accepted, potential newcomers must demonstrate that they meet the standards of democratic principles and have adopted an enormous array of policies. The bloc can provide technical and financial assistance throughout the negotiations to assist countries with candidate status, but may also decide to revoke status if necessary reforms are not implemented.

European officials pointed out that Ukraine already implements about 70% of EU rules, standards and norms, but at the same time corruption and the need for deep political and economic reforms in the country.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo said, “Substantial efforts will be required, especially in the fight against corruption and in establishing an effective rule of law.” But I believe that the (post-war) reconstruction of Ukraine will provide an opportunity to take important steps forward,” he said.

Leaders will also discuss the European Commission’s recommendation on Thursday to grant EU candidate status to Moldova, a small non-NATO country neighboring Ukraine. The sluggish progress of the Western Balkans towards membership is also on the summit’s agenda.

German Chancellor says West will support Ukraine “as long as necessary” https://t.co/r77n6QP85y

– Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) 19 June 2022