EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen is in favor of Ukraine joining the Union. Foreign Minister Schallenberg, on the other hand, is cautious. He does not believe that accession will solve the acute crisis.
Amid the Russian attack on Ukraine and a worsening situation, a debate has erupted over the country’s EU accession. “Over time, they actually belong to us. You are one of us and we want you in,” said EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in an interview on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insisted on speedy EU membership. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) has so far been reluctant.
“Basically, it’s not an offer, it’s a reaction,” said Schallenberg in the Ö1 “Morgenjournal” on Monday about the Leyens’ statement. It was a “big wish from the Ukrainian side” and it was also a “big topic” in the talks with Selenskyj three weeks ago. “It’s totally understandable emotionally in this situation, I just don’t think it solves the acute crisis at the moment,” said the Foreign Minister. He further emphasized that if the Ukrainian people wished to participate in “European life, then we should also support it – but that does not necessarily have to be full membership”. In her interview, von der Leyen also mentioned, among other things, participation in the internal market, said Schallenberg.
Zelensky: “We deserve to join”
Zelenskyj meanwhile called for his country to join the EU in an urgent procedure. Ukraine must be quickly accepted by the European Union as part of a special procedure, Zelenskyj said on Monday. “Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal. I’m sure that’s fair. I’m sure we deserve it,” he said in a video address shared on social media. Later that day, Zelenskyy signed a corresponding application for EU membership and had photos of it published.
Ukraine has been working towards joining the alliance for some time. This goal has also been enshrined in the constitution since 2019, as has that of NATO membership. However, a spokesman for the European Commission dampened expectations of rapid accession. There is a process for accession negotiations to become a member of the EU, he said. The final decision rests with the EU countries and not the Commission. A formal request for accession has not yet been received by the EU states, even if there is already cooperation in many areas. For example, before countries can become EU members, they have to transpose the applicable EU laws into national law and meet a number of criteria.
EU Council President Charles Michel emphasized on Monday: “This is a debate that will definitely be held.” The EU already has a “very strong” association agreement with Ukraine that can be strengthened. However, Michel also 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.
Accession requires unanimity
The Czech Republic supports Ukrainian efforts to join the European Union. “Right now we must send a clear signal that Ukraine is welcome in the European community of democratic states,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Monday, according to the Czech news agency CTK. Although he is a friend of normal procedures, the liberal-conservative politician emphasized that the situation is not currently normal.
Most recently, Eastern countries such as Poland and Slovenia in particular had demanded accession prospects for Ukraine, albeit by 2030. Others warn against bringing the conflict with Russia into the EU and NATO. Unanimity is required for a decision by the EU states.
(WHAT)