EU leaders dash Ukraine’s hopes for fast-track membership
- A key deterrent is an EU clause that if a member falls victim to armed aggression, the other nations must assist it by all the means in their power
- The bloc also remains divided on how quickly it can sever energy ties with Moscow, despite being united against Russia’s invasion of its neighbour
European Union leaders meeting in France Thursday ruled out fulfilling Ukraine’s demand for a fast-track integration with the bloc, as they discussed ways to help the eastern country that’s been invaded by neighbouring Russia.
EU nations have been fully united in backing Ukraine’s resistance, adopting unprecedented economic sanctions against Russia, but leaders are divided on how fast Brussels could move to accept Ukraine as a member, and how swiftly the 27-nation bloc could sever energy ties with Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants his country to quickly join the EU, but an agreement on that point will not be achieved this week during the two-day summit hosted in the palace of Versailles west of Paris.
At best, EU leaders are expected to agree on language supportive of the Ukrainian bid to join the European family, but they will stop short of going further into the process.
01:30
Ukrainian forces train with newly delivered anti-tank weapons
The Ukrainian fast-track bid has received warm support in Eastern European countries, but EU officials have stressed the process could take years, with unanimity among current members required to allow a newcomer in the club.