Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal expects his country to join the EU in less than two years. Until then, however, there is a “colossal” amount of work to do, he said Friday. In June, the EU declared Ukraine, along with Moldova, a candidate for accession. In principle, however, such a process can take many years.
Some countries, such as Albania, have been candidate countries since 2014. In view of this, the Kiev government is confident if it takes less than two years. Schmyhal was speaking ahead of the upcoming EU summit on February 3 in Kiev, which will include EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Charles Michel and ten EU Commissioners.
EU is open to it
“This visit is not only an important signal of continued support to Ukraine in the war (against Russia), but also shows that the EU is open to the process of negotiating Ukraine’s accession,” said Schmyhal. Ukraine will receive the first funds totaling EUR 18 billion from the EU in January. Von der Leyen announced this on Friday in the northern Swedish city of Kiruna. The new emergency aid package is the largest ever set up for a partner country.
The donor conference is also designed to help coordinate support for the war-torn country. In addition, it must be ensured that reforms are linked to reconstruction, “because that paves the way to the European Union.” The new financial support is intended to pay wages and pensions, as well as the operation of hospitals, schools and emergency shelters for people who have been resettled.
Ukraine would have to pay back the money from 2023, which is planned for up to 35 years. The EU member states bear the interest.
Source: Krone
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