According to EU officials, the European Union executive is expected to recommend bringing Ukraine closer to becoming a member of the bloc this week.
This is seen as a significant achievement for Kyiv, especially as weariness sets in nearly two years after Russia’s invasion.
The Brussels-based executive, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will release a report on Wednesday that evaluates the progress made by EU hopefuls towards membership.
During her visit to Kyiv on Saturday, von der Leyen commended Ukraine for its advancements. The report and recommendation will play a crucial role in the EU’s national leaders’ decision in December on whether to initiate formal membership negotiations with Kyiv.
Membership talks with the European Union (EU) require candidates to meet strict legal and economic criteria, which can take several years.
The EU is not willing to accept a country that is currently at war. However, Ukraine is determined to move forward with Western integration, despite the challenges faced by its troops and concerns about the future of crucial US military support.
In June of last year, the Commission announced that Ukraine had fulfilled two out of the seven conditions set by the EU to initiate membership negotiations.
During a news conference with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, von der Leyen praised the remarkable progress made by Ukraine. She acknowledged that Ukraine is currently engaged in a crucial battle while also implementing significant reforms within the country.
Specifically, she commended Ukraine’s efforts in reforming its justice system, curbing the influence of oligarchs, and addressing money laundering.
Von der Leyen expressed her belief that Ukraine would soon accomplish the remaining tasks related to combating corruption and protecting minority rights, thus advancing further on its path towards the European Union.
Zelensky stated that Kyiv is committed to fulfilling the conditions, and a favorable decision from the EU would provide renewed motivation for both Ukrainian society and troops. He also emphasized that Ukraine’s eventual membership in the EU would bring benefits to both parties.
“There will be no grey geo-political zones in Europe. We will secure a new basis for growth and development of Ukraine and all European countries. We will guarantee to our country and citizens real economic and social security,” he said.
These remarks came at the end of a week marked by the Ukrainian commander-in-chief’s statement about the war transitioning into a prolonged battle and the Italian prime minister’s mention of international weariness with the conflict, which was revealed through a prank call.
