Russia-Ukraine conflict: EU chief says opinion on Ukraine's membership may be made next week

The ongoing war in Ukraine is approaching its fourth month, with Kyiv having applied to become a member of the European Union. According to the European Commission chief, an opinion on whether Ukraine can start the process of becoming an EU member country may be given next week.

Over the weekend, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, providing an update on whether Ukraine could be recommended as a candidate for EU membership. A decision on whether Ukraine can start the process of getting accepted into the EU will be made at the end of next week.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, von der Leyen said that even though there are administrative reforms made, there is still a lot that needs to be done.

“You have done a lot in strengthening the rule of law, but there is still a need for reforms to be implemented, to fight corruption for example,” said von der Leyen during the press conference.

“All of Europe is a target for Russia and Ukraine is just the first stage in this aggression,” said Zelenskyy at the same press conference. “This is why a positive EU response to the Ukrainian application for membership can be a positive answer to the question of whether the European project has a future at all.”

To note, membership in the European Union is a process that may take years to achieve. All 27 member countries would have to agree to grant Ukraine candidacy status, followed by extensive discussions on reforms that are required before Kyiv could be considered.

Zelenskyy has pushed to fast-track Ukraine’s admission to the European Union to reduce Ukraine’s geopolitical vulnerability after Russia invaded in February.

Along with Ukraine, other countries in the continent have also sought to gain admission into the bloc. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to help the Western Balkans restart its long campaign for EU membership. In a joint press conference with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Pristina, Scholz said he supports Kosovo’s desire to become a member of the European Union.

“It is very important to send a new signal of confidence and hope that this accession process is wanted by the EU with great seriousness, and that is also has a realistic chance if everyone makes an effort,” said Scholz.