Ukraine Must Be Part Of EU But Immediate Membership To Be ‘Unprecedented’, Says Maltese MEPs
Maltese MEPs have supported Ukraine’s membership of the European Union amid calls from the country’s leadership to join the bloc. However, an “immediate partnership” would be “unprecedented” and the country would need to meet the Copenhagen criteria.
“Eight years ago, almost to this day, he stressed that Ukraine’s place is in the European Union. During the 2014 Crimea, the European Parliament passed a resolution in support of Ukraine. I tabled an amendment that received support from my colleagues. He stressed the possibility of Ukraine applying for membership of the European Union, “said PN MEP David Casa to Lovin Malta.
“It simply came to our notice then. If the Ukrainian people express their desire to join the European Union, then this process must begin. Ukraine is a nation in itself with its own people and a rich history. Joining the European Union should be primarily a decision of the Ukrainian people and of the EU Member States. Not Putin. “
However, he said that any talk of “immediate membership would be unprecedented,” reiterated PL MEP Cyrus Engerer.
“While Ukraine’s place is in the European Union, accession is governed by the Treaty on European Union with countries joining once they meet the so-called Copenhagen criteria. Ukraine needs our full support at the moment, however, no country should become a full member unless the criteria are met, “he said.
“EU-Ukraine relations are strong and must deepen and widen and lead to accession, when the country is ready. At present, our aim must be to restore stability to the region, while providing all the necessary humanitarian aid, including through the Temporary Protection Directive. “
In a video shared on social media on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Ukraine to be granted immediate EU membership under a special procedure while continuing to repel an invasion by the Russian government.
“Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure we deserve it, “he said.
Lovin Malta has reached out to Malta’s MEPs to take care of them.
“The debate has been sparked by calls from President Zelensky for the EU to speed up Ukraine’s accession. Presumably this is due to a belief that rapid accession would change the immediate situation. Accession takes years and is based on many criteria, including an established democracy, the rule of law, and a developed market economy, ”said Casa.
“Ukraine’s accession to the EU will undoubtedly bring mutual benefits. We now know the shares that Ukraine is left alone to face foreign threats to their nation. The Ukrainian people certainly deserve EU support. “
“It’s unprecedented to talk about an ‘immediate partnership.’ Ukraine, but we cannot predict the future, the European Union must be vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality. the conflict. “
“I am so, if in the past there were any doubts about the strong commitment of the Ukrainian people to the European values of peace, democracy and freedom, those doubts have been resolutely extinguished. Now more than ever in the past, I believe that Ukraine’s place is in the European Union and I will be supporting Ukraine’s offer to join the bloc. “
Other MEPs did not respond by the time of publication.
This article is part of a series of content called European. This is an initiative of several newsrooms partly funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed on issues affecting their daily lives. This article reflects the views only of the author. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
Should Ukraine join the EU?