Ukraine will eventually become part of the European Union, he said today Clement BonFrench Minister for European Affairs, assuring Kyiv that an initiative to forge closer ties between the EU and its aspiring members would not replace the their integration efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposed earlier this month the creation of a “European political community” that could create a new structure that would allow closer co-operation with countries seeking EU membership.
“I am convinced that Ukraine will be part of the European Union,” Bonn told reporters.
“We are aware that time is needed for this and in this period we can not just be allowed to wait. “We have to nurture European hope.”
Bonn, who said earlier this week that it could take 15-20 years for Ukraine to join the EU, added that the plan “is not an alternative”.
Speaking with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanisina on European and Euro-Atlantic integration, he said the next step would be to discuss the details of the initiative with European partners.
Echoing Bonn’s remarks, new French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told reporters in Berlin that the idea was to complement EU enlargement by giving benefits to non-candidate countries and supporting those seeking EU membership to help with their candidacy.
“They need to do more and faster now for some partners. “This European political community aims to rapidly strengthen relations with all the European countries in our neighborhood.”
The initiative was accepted with reservations by some Member States due to the lack of detailed clarifications. Kyiv also expressed concern that this could be used as an alternative to accession.
The European Commission will give its opinion on Ukraine’s application in June, but even if approved, the process takes many years and can be vetoed by one Member State.
Stefanisina said after meeting with Bonn that she had received assurances that the idea would not affect Kiev’s candidacy.
From Berlin, in a press conference with her German counterpart Annalena Berbock, the French Foreign Minister said she was optimistic that those who remain opposed to a new package of EU sanctions that would gradually phase out Russian oil imports Union could also be convinced that the Union would reach an agreement.
“We must adopt as soon as possible the sixth package of sanctions, which provides for the gradual cessation of Russian oil imports, and lift the remaining caution,” Kolona said.
“We hope to do it quickly and I’m optimistic.”
In a letter to the President of the European Council, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has so far opposed a gradual embargo on Russian oil, said it was unlikely a solution would be found at a meeting of EU heads of state next week. Budapest was unable to agree.
Kolona, ​​on her first trip abroad since being appointed foreign minister last week, sought to emphasize the importance of the Franco-German partnership as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth month.
“The visit to Berlin as a first gesture was obvious. “Franco-German cooperation is needed more than ever in times of crisis,” he said.
The two ministers said their countries would continue to strengthen their military, humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine.
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