The Italian Foreign Ministry has agreed to commence negotiations with Ukraine regarding its bid to join the European Union and has also called for an expedited process for the accession of Balkan countries, as reported by the Italian news agency ANSA.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, stated that Italy supports convening a European Union summit this week, which would potentially greenlight the initiation of negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.
Tajani remarked, “We have expressed a positive opinion on starting negotiations with Ukraine concerning EU membership. We have also noted Kyiv’s decision to adopt new laws for the Hungarian minority, a matter I have been advocating for since my tenure as President of the European Parliament.” This statement was made at the sidelines of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting held on Monday.
Additionally, the minister emphasized Italy’s insistence on accelerating the pace of the Balkan countries’ EU membership process. Ukraine’s bid for EU membership also receives full support from the Czech Republic, according to the Ukrainian newspaper Ukrinform. However, the Czech Republic cautions that the EU accession process is not without its challenges.
Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union has recently been a focal point in European politics, marked by both support and challenges. The European Commission has proposed starting negotiations with Ukraine, potentially in March or once Kyiv meets final conditions. This move is seen as a significant step for Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, in its aspirations to integrate more closely with Western Europe, especially amidst the ongoing Russian military invasion.
However, the unanimous backing of all EU member states is required for this proposal to move forward, and Hungary has emerged as a notable critic. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed opposition to Ukraine’s membership bid and has threatened to block it. Hungary’s stance is partly due to concerns over the treatment of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine and issues regarding corruption and governance in Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine has broad support in Europe, with many leaders keen to demonstrate solidarity amid Russia’s invasion. The EU is also considering extending significant financial support to Kyiv through 2027, demonstrating the bloc’s commitment to aiding Ukraine amidst its current struggles.
