The European Commission said last week that it endorsed Ukraine’s official candidacy to join the EU, but what that exactly means is unclear.
Ursula von der Leyen, the commission president, said Friday that Ukraine should be welcomed by European countries. The nod was largely embraced but the process could take decades.
French President Emmanuel Macron said “Ukraine normally should not be a candidate.”
“We’re doing it because of the war and because we think it’s good,” Macron said. “It’s a sign of hope, it’s a message for Ukraine to say that they are in the European family.”
Von der Leyen said Ukraine must make “important” reforms – “on rule of law, oligarchs, human rights and tackling corruption,” the BBC reported.
The EU is known for its close ties with NATO. The EU has 27 members and NATO has 30. A total of 21 countries are members of both groups. Last year, NATO leaders confirmed that the partnership with the EU “remains essential,” and said their “intention to continue to develop and deepen cooperation on current and evolving security challenges, such as strengthening resilience, maintaining our technological edge, and addressing the challenges to the rules based international order.”
The move could be seen as a first step toward NATO membership by Ukraine, which Russia said would be a red line. The Trends Journal has long reported that former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych’s decision not to sign an agreement with the EU led to protests and the U.S.-backed overthrow of his administration for leaning toward Russia.
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