Kuleba stressed that Ukraine expects the status of a candidate for the EU/MFA
Ukraine will not accept any surrogate versions or alternatives to joining the European Union. We are waiting for candidate status at the end of June.
This is the position not only of the government, but also of civil society, said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Ukraine's path to the EU is overcoming barriers
Ukraine has earned the status of a candidate and meets the criteria for obtaining it. Kuleba noted that there are skeptics and those who are trying to offer us some alternative ways.
The status of a candidate is the last psychological barrier for skeptic countries, Kuleba noted.
The minister sees no rational reason why Ukraine should be denied candidate status. He is sure that after this barrier is overcome, the situation will be completely different.
Although the diplomat adds, the history of Ukraine's European integration is a way to overcome barriers. In particular, they concerned the free market and visa-free travel. Kuleba says that for years they refused even to recognize our European perspective, but after the start of a full-scale war with Russia, they overcame this barrier.
Latest news about Ukraine's European integration
- On February 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union. It was almost immediately approved by the European Parliament.
- Our state has already submitted to the EU both parts of the questionnaire required to obtain candidate status. Subsequently, the European Commission should already give an answer.
- Earlier, the Office of the President hoped that Ukraine would receive candidate status in June. By the way, the European Parliament will recommend that the heads of state and government of the EU, who will meet at the summit on June 23-24, grant Ukraine the status of a candidate country.
- However, there were those who evade the initiative and offer our state other options. For example, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said that an “interim stage” was needed before Ukraine's accession to the EU. Like, during this period, our state should achieve “EU standards”.
- French President Emmanuel Macron proposed creating an association of states seeking to join the bloc or wanting closer ties and adherence to EU values.
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