In Brussels, a deputy head of the European Union executive expressed her concern on Tuesday about the possibility of talks on the war in Ukraine excluding Kyiv or including the country giving up territory, deeming this as “unacceptable.”
Vera Jourova, the European Commission’s vice-president, also expressed her disappointment at the prospect of a Dec.14-15 summit of EU leaders not endorsing proposals for increased financial aid to Kyiv and a recommendation to begin accession talks with Ukraine. She referenced her sympathetic ear for Kyiv, citing her experience working on her own country’s EU entry nearly 20 years ago.
Jourova stated that Ukraine, under President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, was prepared to overcome endemic corruption, but refrained from speculating on whether Hungary would lift its veto in December on funding for Kyiv and the commencement of membership talks.
She mentioned that the Commission would introduce a draft EU law this year on the utilization of funds from around 200 billion euros of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. She highlighted the need for unanimous support from all 27 EU countries for its enactment.
Therefore, Jourova emphasized the importance of considering Ukraine’s perspective and ensuring its inclusion in any talks related to the war, as well as supporting the country through financial aid and membership talks.
It is evident that the European Union is working to address the situation in Ukraine and provide the necessary assistance, with Jourova leading efforts to garner support for the country’s benefit.
With the upcoming summit of EU leaders on the agenda, it remains to be seen how the discussions on financial aid and membership talks for Ukraine will unfold, and what stance Hungary will take on the matter.
Overall, Jourova’s statements underscore the urgency of addressing the situation in Ukraine and the importance of ensuring the country’s active involvement in decision-making processes related to the conflict.
As such, the EU’s approach to supporting Ukraine and addressing the war in the country is a topic of significant importance and will continue to be closely monitored as developments unfold.
(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska)
