European Union Foreign Ministers Discuss Ukraine’s Accession and Support in Historic Visit

ReutersGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who has often visited Ukraine during wartime

NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 12:40

For the first time, almost all foreign ministers from the European Union traveled to Kyiv for an informal cabinet meeting. At the invitation of the Ukrainian foreign minister Kuleba, the colleagues discussed, among other things, accession to the EU.

French Foreign Minister Colonna spoke of an “exceptional diplomatic gesture”. Outgoing Minister Bruins Slot, who was in Ukraine for the first time, emphasized solidarity with the country, “the Ukrainian people and the courageous soldiers”.

According to Koeleba, the visit was a “historic event”, which he sees as living proof that Ukraine is slowly but surely being integrated into the EU.

An important item on the agenda was financial and military support to the country. EU foreign chief Borrell would like to use EU money to supply fighter jets and missiles. He would like to release 5 billion euros per year until 2027. A decision on this is not yet expected.

Don’t take support for granted

With the visit, the EU countries want to send the message that they continue to support Ukraine. That seems to be becoming less and less obvious. In the United States, an important partner, there is disagreement among Republicans about this support. But Ukraine cannot do without the many billions of dollars and modern weapons from the country.

Cracks can also be seen in Europe. Poland is not making any new arms commitments for the time being due to a conflict over grain exports, the country announced two weeks ago. It is one of the main arms suppliers to Ukraine. Poland was one of the few countries that did not send their minister, but the deputy minister.

Slovakia’s alliance is also in doubt. Last weekend, populist former Prime Minister Fico won the parliamentary elections. Unlike his predecessor, Fico wants to take a pro-Russian course and says that Ukraine has started the war.

Accession to European Union

In Kyiv, accession to the EU was also discussed. Ukraine has been an official candidate for membership for over a year, but the country must first meet conditions before negotiations can begin. The most important demand is a better approach to corruption.

Never before has such a large group of prominent politicians visited the country since the Russian invasion, more than a year and a half ago. Many foreign ministers have already been to the country several times individually. The visit was not announced in advance due to security reasons.

2023-10-02 10:40:16
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