The decision of the EC and the reaction of Russia to the possible granting of candidate status to Ukraine

Russia refuses to believe in a European perspective for Ukraine, but is closely following developments ahead of the summit EU.

Today, the European Commission officially recommended granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership, subject to the further implementation of the necessary steps for joining the European Union. About the decision informed EC President Ursula von der Leyen:

“The Commission recommends: first, that Ukraine be given a European perspective; second, that Ukraine be given candidate status. This, of course, implies that the country will undertake a number of further important reforms. The whole process (decision-making) was based on achievements and was made in accordance with the rules.We have detailed what needs to be done.Ukraine has already achieved a lot.The progress over the past 8 years, the reforms made, the improvements that have been made, the work that has been done with us, demonstrate that there is indeed progress. on the achievements, Ukraine was recommended not only to be given a European perspective, but also candidate status. Today we are making the first decision on the entire accession process. This means that we are offering candidate status. Starting accession negotiations is further. Today, this is not about that decision.After the conditions are met, then we will need to go back and think about whether the All criteria for taking the next step, which will be the start of accession negotiations. But that’s another set of decisions to be made.”

The Russian Federation reacted to the message, while expressing doubts about the European perspective of Ukraine, but believing that it deserves increased attention. The statements of Russian officials, according to the media, were negative. Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, said:

“This is still invariably another plane, although it requires our increased attention. We all know about the intensification in Europe, the discussion about strengthening the defense component of the EU. Therefore, there are different transformations that we are seeing.”

Vyacheslav Nikonov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, does not believe in a positive decision on Ukraine’s European integration:

“This is only a recommendation of the European Commission. There is no consent necessary for a decision – at least the Netherlands and Danes are against it. And even if they give the status, Turkey has been a candidate since 1999. Ukraine will have to wait longer. It will not live that long.”

The Netherlands, meanwhile, are asking the European Commission to carefully prescribe the conditions for Ukraine’s further approach to EU membership, reports EuObserver with reference to the relevant document. It notes that the Netherlands confirms its readiness for EU enlargement as a whole, but notes the need for “fair and thorough conditions.” The leaders of the EU countries will discuss the issue of granting Ukraine the status of a candidate member of the EU next week.

Volodymyr Zelensky called the decision of the EC on the recommendation for Ukraine the status of a candidate “historic”, he expects a positive result from the European Council, quotes RIA News:

“I appreciate the positive opinion of the EC on the candidate status for Ukraine. This is the first step towards EU membership, which will certainly bring our victory closer. I thank Ursula von der Leyen and every member of the European Commission for the historic decision. I expect a positive result from the European Council on next week”.

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