Eight EU countries support Ukraine’s call for expedited membership negotiations


On Monday, leaders of eight European Union countries in Central and Eastern Europe upheld a plea to expedite Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky’s accession to the EU.

“Our EU Presidents strongly support the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovakia and the Republic of Slovakia. Ukraine receives immediate prospects for joining the EU. I believe it deserves. ” In an open letter..

As Russian troops surround Ukrainian cities, Zelensky calls for immediate EU accession, and much of Europe Gather in support of Kyiv.. Once under Soviet control, Eastern European countries have been particularly upset by Russia’s invasion of its small neighbors.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is applying for membership in the European Union on Monday. (President of Ukraine by Getty Images / Anadolu Agency)

At a briefing at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, Zelensky appealed to the EU for “immediate accession of Ukraine through new special procedures”. He added: “Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I think it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.”

Ukrainian Prime Minister Dennis Schmihari is President Points on Twitter “It’s time to write it down on paper,” he said, “applying for EU membership under special procedures.”

EU member states are usually an exhausting and time-consuming process, including the adoption of block laws and currencies. Croatia was the last country to participate and its application was formally approved in 2013. This is 10 years after applying for membership.

Some EU officials have questioned whether Ukraine’s demands are realistic.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said Euronews Ukraine “is one of us and wants them in the European Union.” But she didn’t say anything about whether it was the prompt enrollment requested by Zelensky.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said: However, there are various opinions and sensibilities within the EU regarding expansion. Ukraine has submitted an official request, the Commission has to express its official opinion and the board will decide. “

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, standing on the podium talks about the situation in Ukraine.

European Council President Charles Michel speaks to the media on February 25 about the situation in Ukraine. (Thierry Monasse / Getty Images)

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said he was not sure if Ukraine’s request could be fulfilled immediately. But no matter how quickly the country’s accession is confirmed, he is a supporter and supporter of “certainly accelerating it and making it very clear that they can become members of the European Union. Will be a person. ” Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday that “the EU has always been an open home” and “Ukraine is part of a European home.” However, Baerbock added that membership “is not something that can be completed in a few months and involves a centralized and widespread process of change.”

Where are Russian troops attacking Ukraine? Check out this explainer on Yahoo Immersive to find out.

Where are Russian troops attacking Ukraine?  Check out this explainer on Yahoo Immersive to find out.