Ukraine could secure EU membership in the early 2030s, says Poland's Sikorski
Photo: Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (Getty Images)
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said Ukraine has a chance to join the European Union in the early 2030s, Polsat News reports.
He stated that Ukraine had already cleared an important hurdle despite Hungary blocking the process, noting that the country received candidate status. Sikorski estimated that Ukraine would gain EU membership at the start of the next decade.
Fighting corruption, he emphasized, remains a key condition for accession. He warned Ukraine would not enter the European Union if it tolerated corruption, as the bloc expects integrity and adherence to procedures.
The minister also pointed out that the current corruption scandals in Ukraine serve as a serious warning that Kyiv must take into account on its path toward European integration.
Hungary blocks Ukraine's path to the EU
Ukraine still cannot start accession talks because of Hungary's veto. Decisions on foreign policy, including EU enlargement, require unanimous approval, which has stalled the process.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a public survey on Ukraine's membership and said that most Hungarians allegedly oppose it. He also claimed that Ukraine's accession could create economic problems for Hungary.
Recently, Orbán suggested that the European Union consider a format of "strategic partnership" with Ukraine instead of full membership.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks full EU membership and does not consider any alternatives. He also said Orbán's veto effectively helps Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
