Visit
Von der Leyen praises Ukrainian efforts to join the EU
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (r), President of Ukraine, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, during their meeting in Kiev. photo
© Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa
It is already the fifth trip to the Ukraine for Ursula von der Leyen. However, the EU Commission President chose a symbolic day for this.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Ukraine on Europe Day for its efforts to join the EU quickly. The country is working “tirelessly and intensively” to meet the requirements for the start of accession negotiations, she said during a visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev. And this despite the difficulties of carrying out reforms in a bloody war.
“I would like to express my deepest respect for this outstanding work,” said von der Leyen. “You know you can count on our support and expertise throughout the process.”
According to von der Leyens, the EU Commission will verbally submit an initial assessment of Ukraine’s current reform efforts to the Council of Member States as early as June. A written report is then to be issued in October, on the basis of which a decision on the start of accession negotiations is then to be made.
Ukraine has been a candidate for accession since last summer. The 27 EU countries must decide unanimously on negotiations.
Von der Leyen traveled to Kiev on Tuesday to celebrate Europe Day with President Selenskyj. There were also talks on EU ammunition supplies for the defensive war against Russia and on further financial support.
“Ukraine is part of our European family,” said von der Leyen. The fact that she is in Kiev on Europe Day is a symbol, but it also shows that the EU is already working hand in hand with Ukraine in many areas.
Selenskyj had just signed a decree the day before, according to which Europe Day should also be celebrated in Ukraine in the future. This marks the anniversary of the so-called Schuman Declaration. It was proposed on May 9, 1950 by the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman to make a new war between the nations of Europe unthinkable. Schuman’s proposal is seen as the birth of what is now called the European Union.
Von der Leyen has visited the Ukrainian capital for the fifth time since the Russian invasion began a good 14 months ago. She completed her previous trip to Kiev at the beginning of February.