Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, firmly stated that all avenues remain open for Ukraine to pursue membership within the European Union (EU), emphasizing that preparations should commence immediately for Ukraine’s integration.
In a revealing interview with Juliette Garside of the British newspaper, “The Guardian”, the youngest-ever European Parliament leader stressed that all prospects for Ukrainian EU membership are up for discussion. This includes removing tariffs, potentially allowing Ukraine access to European markets even before its formal integration.
Metsola is noted to have been the first European politician to visit Ukraine following the special Russian military operations there in late February last year. She met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on April 1st, at a time when the capital was still under siege and curfew.
“The Guardian” underscores Metsola’s role as one of the most proactive European officials advocating Ukraine’s EU accession. She endeavors to advance talks on the matter despite Kyiv’s stagnating efforts to join NATO.
Reportedly, while the negotiation process for Ukraine’s EU accession is anticipated to extend over a span of roughly four to five years, Metsola is keen on expediting the discussions. Her intent is clear: to minimize the risk of any Russian intervention in the affairs of former Soviet Union countries.
Highlighting her ambitious approach, the newspaper notes that Metsola is striving to initiate Ukraine’s EU membership discussions before the end of this year. However, the final decision rests with the EU ministers who are scheduled to convene this coming December. Their agenda will encompass a report on Ukraine’s progress on critical fronts such as anti-corruption measures, among other essential membership prerequisites.
In conclusion, the article draws attention to a statement by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. In her ‘State of the Union’ address, she pointed out that Ukraine’s EU membership requires extensive internal EU revisions, encompassing agreements among member states on financial allocation mechanisms.
