Laure Van Lerberghe
Ursula von der Leyen should announce this Friday that the European Commission validates the application file submitted in March by kyiv to join the European Union, subject to a roadmap to be followed. Even if the political decision is in the hands of the European Council on June 23 and 24, it is a strong step for Ukraine. And Member States are divided on this.
Emmanuel Macron has promised to support Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. All three want to access the status of immediate candidate for membership of the European Union. A gesture “strong in hope and clarity, quick, and expected”, assured the president during his trip to kyiv. Same story for the German, Italian and Romanian leaders, who were also traveling to kyiv on Thursday.
Member states divided over Ukraine’s candidacy
The European Commission is due to give its recommendations on Friday. One thing is certain: the debate promises to be tense within the EU. Member States are indeed divided. On the one hand, countries that are geographically close, such as Poland, are pushing to open the doors of Europe without delay. France, Germany and Italy also showed support. Other countries are more reserved, such as the Netherlands and Denmark. Because the granting of this candidate status does not mean membership. There is a whole procedure to follow before entering the European Union.
A European summit on June 23 and 24
Negotiations can last a few years to meet several conditions, respect fundamental democratic values, be economically viable in the economic market or even adopt European legislation. The Commission’s recommendation will therefore be decisive. On the basis of this opinion, Member States will have to decide unanimously whether or not to grant candidate status to Ukraine at the European summit in Brussels on 23 and 24 June.