European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a surprise visit to Kiev on Saturday. There she said that Ukraine was close to meeting the conditions for the next step toward European Union membership.
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.
New sanctions against Russia
During her visit to the Ukrainian capital, von der Leyen also announced a new sanctions package against Russia. The European Commission will announce this next week. The new measures target trade with Russia and the country’s oil profits.
The European Union’s Executive Council wants to freeze the assets of another 100 Russians. They are also denied access to the union. Von der Leyen said that “tough measures against foreign companies that circumvent sanctions” were also being prepared.
Ontvang regelmatig een overzicht van de ontwikkelingen in Oekraïne