( Observer Network News) According to Reuters reported on the 221st, Ukraine will become an official candidate for EU membership at the summit in Brussels on Thursday, which is a symbolic but symbolic move. A morale-boosting decision.
German Chancellor Olaf Schulz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi , Ukrainian President Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron attended a joint press conference in Kiev . Picture from Reuters
EU leaders are expected to sign in Brussels the recommendations put forward by the European Commission and the EU President last week. Three diplomats told Reuters that after several days of internal discussions within the EU, there had been no objections among the 27 member states.
Reuters said that before a meeting with ministers from other EU member states, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told reporters, “We are trying to show Russian President Putin that Ukraine belongs to Europe and we will defend Ukraine. Defend the values."
He also said that Moldova will also almost certainly gain candidate status, while Georgia must also meet some conditions, namely breaking the political deadlock in the country.
A French presidential official told Reuters in a briefing that he was confident that none of the 27 countries would block Ukraine and Moldova's candidacy. He said, "We are reaching a consensus. At the moment I cannot say that all 27 countries agree, but there is reason to hope that an agreement will be reached as soon as possible in the European Council on Ukraine and Moldova becoming official candidates."
French European Affairs Minister Clay Mente Bonne said after the ministerial meeting in Brussels that the 27 countries had reached a "complete consensus."
Despite some concerns among northern EU countries about hosting corruption-ridden Ukraine, Denmark's foreign minister said he agreed to grant Ukraine's candidacy. "This is very good. Denmark supports Ukraine wholeheartedly and we want to help him realize his European dream." .
According to Reuters, on the 16th local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania in Kiev. French President Macron said that France, Germany, Italy and Romania agreed to immediately grant Ukraine EU candidate country status. At the 25th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum held on the 17th local time, Putin was asked about the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union. He said that the EU is not a military bloc and that any country has the right to join the economic union, so Russia cannot. will block.
