The bloc’s top diplomat evaded a question about whether Kiev and Brussels will enter accession talks in 2023
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell has hailed the European Commission’s support for granting Ukraine candidate status but declined to say if he expected accession talks to start next year.
Borrell presented journalists an overview of key European diplomatic issues upon arriving in Luxembourg on Monday for the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Ukraine was a high priority. Official said that it was encouraging that the European Commission had spoken in favor of Ukraine becoming a candidate country. “very important step and clear proof that the European Union is ready to support and accept the neighbors who want to join us as like-minded countries, partners and members.”
When asked by a reporter, however, he said that he did not expect to be asked if “accession talks opening for Ukraine and Moldova next year,”Borrell was unable to offer a specific timeline.
“I do not know. It’s all about the next step. I know that you always want to know about the next event but let us take care of today’s event. Thank you,”The diplomat stated.
Borrell answered a journalist’s question about possible resistance from EU members states to Ukraine being granted the status of candidate. “not heard anyone opposing.”However, he stated that he “cannot anticipate the results”at the European Council Meeting.
All member states must agree to support Kiev’s accession process. While the European Commission last Friday officially recommended that the Council accommodate Ukraine’s request for candidate status, not all EU nations had been of the same opinion just a week prior, according to media reports.
Bloomberg, for instance claimed, citing unnamed sources, that Denmark and the Netherlands didn’t support the idea.
According to reports, Copenhagen claimed that Ukraine didn’t meet the criteria for stability in institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of the law. According to US media outlets, Denmark believes that the country is aspiring. “generally at a very early stage”And would need to “fundamentally improve its legislative and institutional framework”Before it can become a candidate country.
Jeppe Kofod (Danish Foreign Minister) tweeted the following Friday after the European Commission published its official opinion “Denmark [was] ready to support Ukraine EU candidacy status.”
Wopke hoekstra, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke said Friday that the Netherlands would support Ukraine’s candidate status. “for the sake of unity in Europe.”An official stated that Amsterdam was “positive about this.”
In May, the French president Emmanuel Macron suggested that a new constitution be created “European political community”This would also include EU hopefuls like Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. They would receive certain perks. Macron claimed that Brussels must keep these countries in its orbit but they are all likely to be years, if not decades, away from joining the EU. “candidate status tomorrow.”
The idea was criticized by top Ukrainian officials including President Volodymyr Zelesky. They insist that Kiev won’t accept any alternative to EU-candidate nation status.
Macron visited Kiev last week with high-ranking officials from France, Italy, Germany and Romania. They all supported Ukraine’s immediate EU-candidate designation, he said.
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