According to von der Leyen, EU membership is “really within reach” for Ukraine. The First Lady’s visit took place on the eve of an important interim report from the European Commission on Ukraine’s progress.
Based on this report, EU countries will decide next month whether Ukraine is ready to start accession negotiations. It transforms the nominated member into a member state of the European Union politically, legally and economically, step by step. He receives guidance and financial support.
Ukraine has wanted to join the European Union for some time, but since Russia invaded the country, it has become a matter of life and death. The war also prompted European Union countries to ease their hesitation about enlarging the Union. Although they agreed that Ukraine, which was still far from the EU administratively and economically, must meet seven conditions before accession negotiations could begin.
The country has already completed “well over 90 percent” of that homework, von der Leyen said in Kiev. Fighting corruption and minority rights still requires some additional effort, but “you can do it and fast.” Last summer, only two of the seven conditions were met.
