Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky receives two EU leaders in Kiev. The summit with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the Council of Heads of Government Charles Michel “will not be the easiest”, says a senior EU official.
The EU must navigate even more support (humanitarian, military, financial) and tone down expectations of Ukraine’s swift accession to the European Union. The accession process usually takes many years, and while Ukraine has taken admirable steps in the midst of war to meet EU demands, the country is far from there. The Ukrainian NGO New Central Europe published a study in which it showed that the country is on track to meet European requirements.
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According to Mustafa Amhaouch, deputy of the CDA, the accession door should not be closed. ‘We should actually offer a hand to help them through the processes.’ In addition to reforms, the country must also have the ability to implement the new rules. “Ukraine is making great strides, but it still has a long way to go.”
According to Amhaouch, the country should not be “overdone” when it comes to membership. “It’s a big country and it’s at war right now. Zelensky should know that Europe is in solidarity’.
As far as the CDA member of parliament is concerned, providing additional military support is separate from the discussion of membership. “Tanks are being sent in and troops are being trained. The question is which solution Zelenski needs at which stage, and is it feasible? There are no taboos here, but we have to make a good decision.’
The EU pledges €450 million in aid to Ukraine
The European Union will provide Ukraine with a new aid package of €450 million and other support measures. This was reported by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, on the eve of the summit.
“The European Union is today sending a very clear message to Ukraine and beyond about our collective strength and determination in the face of Russia’s relentless aggression,” von der Leyen said in a statement. Of the new financial aid, €145 million is earmarked for humanitarian aid and €305 million for the repair of damaged infrastructure.
Live Blog | The EU pledges €450 million in aid to Ukraine
Soldiers
Josep Borrell, EU foreign affairs chief, also announced that EU countries also plan to train a total of 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers, doubling the target of the current EU military training mission, which had previously been set at 15,000. Ukrainian soldiers will receive specialized training for new equipment, including Leopard 2 tanks, he said Borrell on Twitter.
EU economic, humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine so far amounts to almost €50 billion, according to von der Leyen.
The exact location where the talks take place today and the times they start and end are being kept secret for security reasons. A joint statement will then be issued and there will be a press conference which will not be broadcast live, but only ‘when possible’, according to those concerned.
Source: BNR
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