France has stated that there will be no “shortcut” to Ukraine’s accession to the EU
This was reported by UNIAN, citing an interview with Benjamin Addad in *Le Figaro*.
France has spoken out against “fast-track” routes for Ukraine’s full accession to the European Union.
Benjamin Addad, France’s Minister Delegate for European Affairs, stated that Ukraine’s integration into the EU cannot take place via a simplified procedure.
At the same time, he emphasised that France supports Ukraine’s gradual rapprochement with the European Union.
According to Addad, for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkan countries, EU accession is a lengthy process. It requires reforms, particularly in the areas of the fight against corruption, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
The French minister stressed that there can be no compromises regarding the values and legislation of the European Union.
At the same time, he described the rapprochement between Ukraine and other countries with the EU as a “geopolitical necessity”.
Gradual rapprochement rather than rapid accession
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed “symbolic accession of Ukraine” to the EU.
Commenting on this issue, Addad stated that one possible solution could be a gradual approach to membership.
This involves deeper integration and interim status.
However, according to the French minister, countries must fulfil the necessary conditions for full membership.
“To be a full member and have access to everything, we must be honest: there is no shortcut. Countries must reform. And the Union itself must reform and become more flexible,” explained Addad.
What is known about Ukraine’s path to the EU
It was previously reported that Ukraine plans to sign an accession treaty with the European Union in 2027.
In total, Ukraine must fulfil 145 EU requirements.
Most of them concern bringing Ukrainian legislation into line with European Union requirements.
As reported by ThePublic, Bulgaria has officially joined the eurozone
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