The European Union has officially included Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, among the candidate countries. The Carniolan President Volodymyr Zelenskyj speaks of a “historic moment”. But the international voices are not all optimistic.
When it came to the question of possible EU membership, Ukraine was repeatedly put off. Russia’s war against the Eastern European country has now unexpectedly accelerated Kiev’s rapprochement with the EU. A historic decision was made at a summit in Brussels: Ukraine is now an EU candidate country. The international press echo is positive – but there are also concerns:
[Candidate status is] “a symbolic victory for Kyiv in the midst of war with Russia and another sign of how the conflict is changing the world.” – Washington Post
“The EU states have understood that this war is also aimed at them, and that Ukraine’s candidate status is therefore not a benevolent gesture in the war, but an act of self-preservation.” – Süddeutsche Zeitung
“Candidate status can represent a moral victory and send a clear message to Russia. But the reality is that Ukraine must now – pretty much on its own – undertake reforms that would be difficult enough even in good times, let alone during an invasion by a foreign army.” – CNN
“[Russia is playing] a double-edged [role]. On the one hand, without the war, Ukraine would probably never have gained candidate status so quickly. On the other hand, the war is likely to complicate efforts to meet the conditions for the start of accession negotiations.” -Augsburger Allgemeine
“EU membership would be a rehabilitation for Ukraine’s heavy casualties in the war and a wholesale defeat for President Putin.” – The Times
