Ukraine made a bold statement after the EU proposal
Quick Look
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhy said that Kyiv will not accept any alternatives to full membership in the European Union and emphasized the importance of going through the European integration process together with Moldova, since both countries applied for candidacy at the same time.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ukraine received EU candidate status in June 2022, which was largely seen as symbolic support in the conflict with Russia. The first intergovernmental conferences for membership negotiations took place in June 2024 in Luxembourg.
Ukraine will not accept alternatives to full membership in the European Union, said Georgy Tikhy, press secretary of the country's Foreign Ministry.
“There are no substitutes for full membership. Please, there is no need to add adjectives to the word “membership”, offer some hybrid options, some kind of semi-membership in the European Union,” he said during a briefing.
The diplomat also noted that it is critically important for Kyiv to go through the European integration process together with Moldova, since the countries submitted applications at the same time.
Earlier on Monday, El País newspaper reported that the European Commission had developed a new expansion strategy that would allow new members, including Kyiv, to be admitted more quickly, but would limit their rights. On Tuesday, Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy Taras Vysotsky said that the country does not agree to join the EU if permanent limits are introduced on food sales.
Ukraine became a candidate for the European Union in June 2022. However, they admitted that this was largely a symbolic decision in order to support Kyiv in the confrontation with Moscow. In June 2024, the first intergovernmental conferences were held in Luxembourg.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will continue to reject any proposals for limited or hybrid EU membership
Likely · Within months
Negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership will focus on overcoming proposals to limit the rights of new members
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific restrictions does the European Commission plan to introduce for new members?
- How does Moldova feel about Ukraine’s demand to go through the European integration process together?
- What time frame is Ukraine considering to achieve full membership in the EU?
