2023-11-22 11:03:58
Volodymyr Zelensky wants a “decision” from the Twenty-Seven in December concerning his country’s accession to the EU
European Council President Charles Michel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kyiv on November 21, 2023. EFREM LUKATSKY / AP
At the next European summit “in December we expect a result, a political decision to start negotiations” of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (EU), the Ukrainian President declared on Tuesday, during a press conference organized in Kiev with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Moldovan President, Maia Sandu .
“I will do everything in my power to convince my colleagues that we need a decision in December”replied Mr. Michel, who did not hide, however, that this next summit would be « difficile ».
The European Commission ruled at the beginning of November that Ukraine can now begin accession negotiations with the EU. But the decision rests with the Twenty-Seven, who must discuss it at their summit in mid-December.
Mr. Zelensky said he had asked member states to show themselves “concrete and precise” and to measure the distance already covered by his country on the road to accession to the EU. The European Commission judged that more than 90% of the work had already been done. The EU has demanded certain reforms from Ukraine, notably concerning the rule of law, the fight once morest corruption and the power of the oligarchs.
“We have done everything we can, and the rest will be done too”Mr. Zelensky said on Tuesday, stressing that Parliament had voted on the same day for reforms in line with EU demands and that his country would fulfill the « conditions » which were asked.
The Twenty-Seven will have to evaluate the request for a ” country at war “he also stressed, adding that a positive response would help Ukrainians believe that «justice exists». The European Union has “a moral duty” and he is of his “strategic responsibility” to provide a positive response to Ukraine, replied Mr. Michel.
Some European countries are, however, more cautious towards this large agricultural country of 40 million inhabitants, at war with Russia, and fear the destabilization that its accession might cause.
By accepting Ukraine and Moldova, which also received, at the same time as kyiv, the first agreement from the European Commission for future accession, the EU is making a “strategic investment for peace”said Mr. Michel once more.
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