EU-Ukraine Summit: Lots of support but no accession date

The Ukrainian President never tires of asking the EU for concrete prospects for accession. There was a lot of support at the summit in Kyiv – the guests remained vague on the subject of membership.

Those who expected concrete decisions from the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv were disappointed. At a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel signaled their support for starting accession negotiations later this year. However, this requires a unanimous decision by the EU member states.

In Kyiv, President Selenskyj was confident that accession negotiations could begin this year. To do this, however, Ukraine must meet seven specific EU requirements. These relate to reforms of the judicial system and various anti-corruption measures. To date, Ukraine has not been able to fully meet the EU’s requirements on any of these points.

Council President Michel reiterated continued support for Ukraine. Without a secure and independent Ukraine there could be no secure and independent Europe.

Selenskyj calls for weapons and further sanctions

President Zelenskyy also called for longer-range missiles and further EU sanctions against Russia. These must ensure that Russia cannot rebuild its military capacities. The EU wants to launch a tenth package of sanctions by the anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression. Above all, it should close previous loopholes.