The European Union recognizes Ukraine’s desire to join the community, but this issue is not yet on the agenda of Brussels, European External Action Service spokesman Peter Stano told reporters.
“This is the sovereign right of Ukraine, and no one can influence this decision. We have an association agreement with Ukraine, very close cooperation on all issues. So far, the issue of Ukraine’s membership is not on the EU agenda, ”RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.
Ukraine and the European Union in 2014 signed an association agreement that regulates the gradual economic and political rapprochement between Kiev and Brussels. It provides for the creation of a free trade zone, cooperation in the areas of defense, conflict prevention, taxation, public finance, the fight against terrorism, migration and border control.
Some provisions of the agreement came into effect temporarily in November 2014, the free trade zone came into effect in January 2016, and the document came into full force in September 2017. In June 2017, the European Union also introduced a visa-free regime for Ukraine, the period of stay of citizens of the country in the EU is limited to 90 days within six months.
In September last year, the government of Ukraine reported that it had fulfilled 58% of its obligations under the association agreement. The fulfillment of all conditions will pave the way for the next possible steps to integrate the state, but Brussels refuses to name specific dates for entry.
Later, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was pointless to ask the leadership of the European Union about Ukraine’s entry into the community, since the consent of all 27 EU members is required to resolve the issue. According to Zelensky, while the relevant declarations have been signed by four EU countries, three more documents will be signed in the near future.