The so-called “preparatory” space would allow countries to reach European Union standards, such as the European Economic Area (EEA) or the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA), Ms. Nehammer.
“We are united by the same goal, we all want a strong, independent and economically prosperous Ukraine,” Nehammer said in a statement issued by the chancellor’s office.
“Currently, Ukraine is fighting for its political and territorial survival. All our efforts are mainly aimed at ending the Russian war of aggression. In such a phase, a rapid and complete accession to the Union cannot be a urgent matter.”
Mr Nehammer said the emotion should be removed from the current debate over Ukraine’s EU membership, adding that Ukraine’s rapid accession was “unrealistic”.
“We should create a European preparatory space, which will strengthen cooperation with the EU step by step and better adapt to European standards”, said Mr Nehammer.
Austria followed a similar path for decades with European free trade agreements before joining the EU in 1995, he noted.
Ukraine has said it is tired of “special solutions” and separate models for its integration into the European Union and wants to become a full member, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said last month. .
Mr Nehammer also said he supported French President Emmanuel Macron’s idea of ​​establishing a new kind of European political community of countries that aspire to join the bloc or want closer ties and adherence to European values. EU.
kyiv has expressed concern that such a community could be used as an alternative to membership.