EU names realistic timeline for Ukraine's membership
Photo: Katarína Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine (Getty Images)
What the ambassador said
The opening of the first cluster coincided with Mathernová’s birthday.
"I could not have imagined a better gift," she said.
Assessing the prospects of membership, the ambassador stated that 2030 is a "very viable timeframe." According to her, despite the extensive work required to align Ukrainian legislation with EU standards, Ukraine is ready for the negotiations.
"The question of how quickly we can conclude the negotiations will often depend on significant legislative and other work," she clarified.
Remaining clusters
The European Commission has expressed a desire to open the remaining five clusters before the summer recess. Mathernová supported this idea.
"It would be wonderful if the idea to implement this already this summer is realized and there is enough political will for it," she noted.
The opening of the first cluster is an important step, but much work still lies ahead. RBC-Ukraine previously explained in detail what opening a cluster means and whether EU membership by 2030 is realistic.
At the same time, new concerns have emerged in the EU: after the Iran crisis is resolved, Trump may try to take control of the Ukraine peace process, which is causing concern among European officials.
