Ukraine Submits EU Membership Application... "Candidate Status in June"

Controversy Over Fairness in Expedited Procedures

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visited the Bucha area of Ukraine, where Russian forces massacred civilians, on the 8th.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Ukraine is accelerating its formal accession to the European Union (EU), having completed the documentation for EU membership.

On the 17th (local time), Ihor Zhovkva, advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine, announced that "the questionnaire, which will serve as the starting point for EU accession, has been completed," according to major foreign media.

Advisor Zhovkva stated, "The European Commission will issue a recommendation on whether Ukraine meets the membership criteria," adding, "We expect a positive outcome."

On the 8th, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visited Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and delivered the questionnaire to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Advisor Zhovkva expressed hope that Ukraine could be granted candidate country status at the EU Council meeting in June. The EU will hold a meeting from June 23 to 24 to conduct detailed discussions on Ukraine's accession.

However, it is expected to be difficult for Ukraine to join the EU through a special fast-track procedure. Since it typically takes more than 10 years to become a candidate country, there are disagreements among member states regarding fairness.

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