Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his statements that Ukraine will be "technically" ready to join the European Union in 2027, "despite criticism from some European leaders this week," The Guardian reports, writes UNN.
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Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel insisted on Thursday that "we have rules and we must follow them," stressing that he "repeatedly asked Zelenskyy to stop pressuring the EU on deadlines, as it is counterproductive," the publication writes.
The EU's chief enlargement representative, European Commissioner Marta Kos, "hinted that while there is political will, more effort may be needed," the publication indicates.
"Technically, we will be ready in 2027," Zelenskyy told reporters, as reported by Reuters, adding that by the end of 2026, Ukraine will have completed the main steps required for membership.
The publication notes that "the European Commission 'may have a somewhat more nuanced view on this,' given its progress report last year, which 'indicates 'some level of preparation' in many areas, with limited progress on some key issues, such as the fight against corruption, or insufficient capacity in some areas considered by the EU'."
But Zelenskyy, the publication notes, made it clear that first and foremost he wants a "clear timeline" to understand the real prospects of joining the bloc, viewing this as an important part of security guarantees after the war.
EU enlargement, the publication points out, requires a unanimous decision of the 27 member states, and Hungary has not only long opposed Ukraine's accelerated accession, "but relations between the two countries have noticeably deteriorated in recent weeks."
"95% of Hungarians rejected Ukraine's accelerated EU membership because they want to protect our farmers, the security of our families and peace in Hungary," pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said yesterday, as the publication writes.
This issue is likely to feature prominently in Hungary's upcoming parliamentary elections, which could lead to a change of government after 16 years of Orbán's rule, the publication indicates.