Ukraine may become EU member already this decade — Ukraine’s Ambassador to EU

Ukraine's Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, believes that Ukraine has a very real chance of becoming an EU member already this decade.

This is reported by European Pravda.

When asked whether he thinks it is realistic that Ukraine can join the EU in this decade, the diplomat answered: "I think so."

Vsevolod Chentsov noted that Ukraine's European integration path in 2022 is a unique precedent because this year, the processes other countries have been going through for years were "squeezed."

He noted that, if you look at the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey, even countries with previously skeptical attitudes support assistance to Ukraine and its future accession to the EU.

"Finally, it became clear that Ukraine is a value for the EU, for Europe, that the European Union is becoming different," the diplomat said.

As for the start of negotiations on membership, in his opinion, the process can start "very soon." "In terms of legislation, the work has already been done, and, hopefully, in the spring, when the European Commission presents a preliminary assessment, we will understand the real picture and what we still need to do," he said.

Vsevolod Chentsov believes that now it is incorrect to say that someone is hindering Ukraine's further progress toward the EU.

"There is a history of expansion, and each specific state has its own understanding… What is the position of those we call skeptics? That this process must be credible — meaningful, and reliable. That is, this is their main warning. And we have to prove that we take this seriously, and our goal is to strengthen the EU by gaining membership," the diplomat explained.

He also explained that Hungary would not be able to blackmail the entire European Union indefinitely with its right of veto in joint decisions — particularly those concerning Ukraine.