Ukraine officially applies for EU membership – “We deserve it”
“Our soldiers fight for all of Europe”
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeals to the EU to admit his country. “We want to be on an equal footing.” He also turns to the Russian fighters.
In the past few days, Kyiv had already called for admission to the European Union. Now the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has officially signed his country’s application for membership. “I am convinced that this is fair,” says Zelenskyj.
Dhe Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has applied for his country’s admission to the European Union. His office announced on Monday that the documents were already on their way to Brussels.
Photos of Zelenskyy signing the application were published on his Facebook page. Next to him stood Prime Minister Denis Schmyhal and Speaker of Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk.
“We are addressing the EU regarding the immediate integration of Ukraine through a new special procedure,” Zelenskyy said in a video message earlier. “Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, above all, to be on an equal footing. I am sure that is fair. I’m sure it’s possible.” Kyiv had already called for admission to the European Union in the past few days.
The EU institutions reacted extremely reluctantly to Zelenskyj’s demand. EU Council President Charles Michel underlined that the 27 member states did not agree on the question of Ukraine’s admission. There are “different opinions and sensitivities within the EU,” said Michel. Most recently, Eastern countries such as Poland and Slovenia in particular had demanded accession prospects for Ukraine, albeit until 2030. Others warn against bringing the conflict with Russia into the EU and NATO.
The EU rules do not provide for quick membership. Normally, an accession process lasts several years. Michel pointed out that Ukraine would first have to submit an official application for membership. In the end, a unanimous decision by the EU states would be necessary.
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A spokesman for the EU Commission, meanwhile, put into perspective statements by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which were understood as openness to Ukraine’s accession. These were “extremely general” and merely expressed the belief that Ukraine is a European country, stressed von der Leyen’s spokesman Eric Mamer in Brussels.
On Sunday evening on the Euronews channel, the President of the Commission referred to the close cooperation with Ukraine in various areas such as trade and energy. As a result, Ukraine now “actually belongs to us,” said von der Leyen. “You’re one of us and we want you in there.”
The Russian army invaded neighboring Ukraine five days ago and has been attacking cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv ever since. According to Zelenskyy, more than 4,500 Russian soldiers have already been killed in the war in Ukraine. According to him, 16 children were among the killed Ukrainian civilians.