EU puts end to talks of fixed deadline for Ukraine's accession
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Getty Images)
The European Union cannot yet set a clear date for Ukraine’s accession. However, the EU will provide support for the country on its path to membership, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a press briefing in Kyiv.
Read also: Zelenskyy replaces chief negotiator on Ukraine’s EU accession
Von der Leyen emphasized that it is absolutely clear that Ukraine can become a member of the European Union.
"You all know that it's a merit-based process, that also means that speed depends on the candidate country," she said.
The European Union cannot set a clear date for Ukraine’s accession, Ursula von der Leyen said pic.twitter.com/VkTxApOeeG
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The Commission head also noted that Ukraine is "outstanding" in implementing rather complex reforms, despite the ongoing war in the country.
"I understand very well that for you, a clear date is also important. The date you set is your benchmark that you want to match. You know that from our side, dates by themselves are not possible, but of course, the support that you can reach your goal is absolutely clear on our side," Ursula von der Leyen added.
Ukraine’s EU membership by 2027
Previously, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva stated that Ukraine expects a political decision from the European Union on its membership in the bloc by 2027.
Commenting on Ukraine’s proposals, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized that the EU enlargement methodology was designed for peacetime.
She also noted that for an accelerated accession of Ukraine, the rules that have been in place for 40 years would need to be changed. This would require the support of all 27 EU member states.
