Belgian prime minister on Ukraine's status of EU candidate-member: a work of many years
The European Commission's recommendation that Ukraine should become a candidate member of the European Union is an important step for the Ukrainian people, but actually becoming a member will be a work of many years. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated this on Friday.
The European Commission announced earlier in the day that it wants to give Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidate-members. During a visit to the country on Thursday, French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian prime minister Mario Draghi also expressed their views.
It is up to the heads of state and government to decide on the proposal next week. For Belgian prime minister De Croo, it is an important symbolic step. "This is a very big step for the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for European values," he said.
De Croo added, however, that membership will not be for tomorrow. Indeed, several conditions must be met, such as in the area of the rule of law and the fight against corruption - conditions that every candidate country must meet. "It will be a process of many, many years," De Croo expects.
(AHU)
© PHOTO AFP EMMANUEL DUNAND - Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo arrives ahead of EU leaders extraordinary meeting to discuss Ukraine, defence and energy in Brussels, on May 31, 2022.