When Ukraine can become EU member? Lithuanian Foreign Minister weighs in
Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuanian Foreign Minister (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
For Ukraine, the year 2030 should be considered the deadline for joining the European Union and a benchmark from which all other important decision deadlines can be counted, believes the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys.
"That's (2030 - ed.) the deadline. We have to set the deadline and count clockwise, count it back with all the other deadlines for the important decisions to be made. Lithuania is investing our very best expertise and knowledge from our accession process with this beautiful and wonderful project that we are launching today," he explained.
Budrys added that he believes that Ukraine will be able to complete the integration process by 2030. Moreover, he noted that it is the inspiration derived from the dedication and motivation of Ukrainians that is the reason for Lithuania's support in this matter.
Ukraine's EU accession
Ukraine officially submitted its application for EU membership shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. In June 2022, the EU granted the country candidate status, marking an important step in the country's European integration.
In November 2023, the European Commission recommended that the Council of the European Union begin negotiations on Ukraine's integration. Negotiations began on June 25, 2024, in Luxembourg.
Recently, the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, stated that Ukraine's EU accession needs to be accelerated. In his opinion, Ukraine should become a full-fledged member within five years – by 2030.
