EU Rules Out Rapid Ukraine Accession... "No Fast Track"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As disagreements among EU member states deepen over Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU), it is expected to become difficult to reach an agreement on the special fast-track procedure that Ukraine had previously requested for rapid accession. In particular, major countries including the Netherlands, Germany, and France are reportedly expressing negative positions on Ukraine's rapid accession, which could further provoke Russia.

According to the Associated Press on the 10th (local time), EU member states held an emergency summit at the Palace of Versailles in France to discuss Ukraine's rapid EU accession. This meeting was convened following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request on the 28th of last month to agree on a special procedure for swift EU accession, but due to significant disagreements among member states, no consensus was reached.

Especially, major countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Germany clearly opposed the proposal, citing fairness issues. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte emphasized, "Procedures like a fast track do not originally exist in EU provisions," adding, "Western Balkan countries like Albania and Macedonia have been striving to become candidate members for over 10 years. Rapid accession is not fair."

French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed a negative stance, stating, "I do not think we can initiate Ukraine's EU accession process today. That would be unfair," and added, "EU accession must be achieved by unanimous consent of all 27 member states, and this principle must not be compromised."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also drew a line, saying, "Rather than immediate accession, which takes a long time, it is more realistic to strengthen partnerships with Ukraine."

So far, Ukraine's EU accession is reportedly supported by some Eastern European countries bordering Russia directly, such as Poland and Latvia, but many countries have expressed negative views. According to the Associated Press, many European countries oppose Ukraine's EU membership as it could further provoke Russia.

With opinions divided among countries, reaching an agreement on a joint EU statement regarding Ukraine is also facing difficulties. According to Bloomberg News, the originally planned draft statement reportedly included the content, "Ukraine belongs to the European family, and we will promptly strengthen ties and partnerships with Ukraine."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.