Von der Leyen revisited Kyiv and publicly gave Ukraine’s application for EU qualification evaluation time for the first time
Reference News Network reported on June 12 that according to Agence France-Presse Ukraine Kyiv report, while the fierce fighting continued in eastern and southern Ukraine, European Commission President von der Leyen said on the 11th local time that the European Commission will discuss the country’s EU candidates next week. Eligibility sends a clear signal.
Von der Leyen made an unexpected visit to Kyiv on the 11th, the report said. She said on the same day that her talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “will allow us to complete our assessment by the end of next week” – the first time the EU has publicly given a time.
On June 11, local time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed European Commission President von der Leyen, who was visiting again, in Kyiv. (Reuters)
Zelensky has reportedly been demanding that Ukraine join the European Union quickly as a means of reducing Ukraine’s geopolitical vulnerability.
But EU officials and leaders have warned that even with candidacy, it could take years, if not decades, to truly become a member of the bloc.
The report pointed out that this is Von der Leyen’s second visit to Kyiv since the conflict broke out. During this period, she appeared alongside Zelensky, but she made no promises, citing the need for further reforms. Zelensky warned that it was a “defining moment” for his country and the EU.
Despite some member states’ reservations, EU leaders are expected to approve Ukraine’s candidacy at a summit on June 23-24, albeit with strict conditions.