The start of the EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev on Friday was overshadowed by a nationwide air raid alarm. Whether this has had an impact on the top is still unclear. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel wanted to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev. In addition to support in the war against Russia, the subject should be the country’s desire to join the EU soon.
For security reasons, no information was given about the exact course of the summit. It was only announced that there would be a working session and a press conference, among other things. According to information from the Ukrainian capital, the air raid siren was activated due to the use of Russian fighter jets in the airspace over Belarus. From there, rockets are regularly fired towards Ukraine.
Broad support promised
“The EU will support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for as long as necessary in the fight against the ongoing Russian war of aggression,” the draft joint statement read by Reuters. Ahead of the talks, Selenskyj called for negotiations to join the EU this year. However, the 27 EU Member States agree that reform promises must first be fulfilled.
These include the selection process for constitutional judges and the fight against corruption – certainly at a high level. The EU is also demanding compliance with anti-money laundering standards and a law against the excessive influence of oligarchs. The EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev is the first since the Russian invasion on February 24 last year. It is organized under strict security measures.
Von der Leyen has been in Kiev since Thursday. She announced further financial, military and humanitarian assistance. EUR 150 million must be made available for the reconstruction of the energy infrastructure destroyed by Russia. In addition, the EU will supply another 2,400 power generators. On the first anniversary of the outbreak of war, a new package of sanctions against Russia will also be adopted.
Summit in Kiev sends ‘strong signal’
On Friday morning Michel, President of the EU Council, also arrived in Kiev for a meeting with the Ukrainian head of state. On his arrival, the Belgian promised Ukraine further support in the war against Russia. “Our resolve will not weaken,” he said. Ukraine will also be supported every step of the way towards EU accession.
Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) described Friday’s summit as a “strong signal that should show that the EU stands firmly on the side of Ukraine and its people”. procedure at the EU. “Even if there is no short cut in the accession process, we will support Ukraine on its way to the European Union,” Europe’s minister said on Twitter.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
