The summit of heads of state or government in Brussels will discuss the long-discussed question in Germany, France and Italy whether Ukraine should be granted candidate status. However, as far as the countries of the Western Balkans are concerned, there has been no breakthrough.
A lengthy debate on whether Ukraine and Moldova should be granted candidate country status is expected at the EU summit in Brussels. Austria strongly urges that this status also be granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to “Krone” information, Chancellor Karl Nehammer was also very clear on this subject. Negotiations on the accession process of the Western Balkan countries, which were the subject of the morning’s summit, ended without result.
On the other hand, Ukraine and Moldova can continue to hope for a positive outcome. EU Parliament Vice-President Othmar Karas told a delegation of Austrian journalists that “historical decisions are being made these days. We are living in the most intense time since 1945.” According to Karas, the EU is expected to keep its promises. He supported the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. Like most politicians in Brussels.
Promises to Ukraine cannot be kept
However, some questions remain unanswered. Days before the summit, there was immense optimism in Brussels that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova would be granted candidate status. Although some countries, such as Austria, have serious concerns. Chancellor Nehammer and Foreign Minister Schallenberg recently made it clear that Austria’s approval is subject to conditions, such as ending the unequal treatment of the Western Balkan countries.
Moreover, it is impossible to predict how long the war in Ukraine will last and who will win it. Both a Russian victory and a division of Ukraine make EU accession unnecessary. And as long as there is war in the country, there is no question of it anyway. It is unclear why a promise is being made to Ukraine that in principle it will not be able to keep.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.