Ukraine's quick accession to EU is impossible, former EU Commission President says
Ukraine's quick accession to the European Union is an unrealistic expectation.
Ukraine received candidate status for European Union membership in a record short time, former EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says. He noted Brussels' decision was correct.
"I believe that Ukraine needs the accession prospect. But I am very saddened by the imprudence of many politicians who are also active in the West and who want Ukraine to join the EU as soon as possible. I don't see that happening" Juncker said.
The official also believes that negotiations with russia on ending the war are now impossible.
"The fact is that putin and the whole russian leadership do not show any will for real peace negotiations," ex-president said.
Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš advocated the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union this year, even if hostilities are still ongoing.
The European Commission's first assessment of Ukraine's progress in fulfilling the "candidate criteria" will be presented in May, and by then, Ukraine plans to complete most of them.
