The EU must decide on Ukraine’s request to join.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on a surprise visit to Kiev on Saturday, promised a response “next week” to Ukraine’s ambitions to apply for EU membership.
“We want to support Ukraine in its European journey,” von der Leyen told a news conference after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Today’s discussions will enable us to finalize our assessment by the end of next week,” she added, in order for the Commission to make a recommendation to member states.
Von der Leyen stressed that the Ukrainian authorities had “done a lot” regarding the country’s candidacy, saying that it was already “on a good path” even before the “terrible and cruel invasion” of Russia.
She praised Ukraine’s “strong” parliamentary and presidential system, praising its administration despite “incredible circumstances” and citing the high level of digitalisation and decentralization reforms.
The focus was on overcoming the war, the European Commission president added, but said more reforms were needed, especially in the fight against corruption and encouraging investment.
This is Von der Leyen’s second visit to Kiev since Russia launched its occupation on February 24.
She also plans to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Chmygal during her visit to Kiev.