Anonymous diplomats told reporters that Greece and Cyprus, however, in principle support the granting of Kyiv candidate status.
Citing anonymous diplomats, Euraktiv reported on Friday that Greece and Cyprus would oppose any offer of quick-tracking advice on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
A source in the Greek Foreign Ministry told the outlet that if Ukraine were granted candidate status next month, Athens would insist on all procedures prescribed under Article 49 of the EU Treaty. Greece has no policy issues with granting such status to Kiev, but will first introduce itself to the European Commission’s proposal.
Nicosia, which traditionally maintains very close ties with Greece, wanted to see the commission’s proposal before it was able to give a definite answer, Cypriot government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Uraktiv. Like Greece, Cyprus would oppose giving Ukraine any shortcut to EU membership, sources indicated.
According to the report, both Athens and Nicosia are concerned that Ukraine’s bid could overshadow the possibility of joining Northern Macedonia and Montenegro, which, along with several other countries, have been candidates for years now. Greek and Cypriot officials noted that joining the bloc in the Western Balkans should be a priority, especially since the candidate countries have already undertaken some necessary reforms.
During a visit to Kyiv on Thursday, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke in the same position, according to Finland’s Yale News Outlet. The Premier was quoted as saying that Ukraine could not be given a shortcut and that its accession to the bloc should be timely when fulfilling the Kyiv conditions. Speaking in favor of granting candidate status to Ukraine, Marin noted that the country could take several years to become a member state.
Ukraine submitted its formal application for EU membership on 28 February – four days after Russia invaded the country.
EU leaders are expected to issue a decision on whether to grant Kiev candidate status at the June 23-24 bloc summit. Granting the status requires the unanimous support of the 27 member countries.
Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Ukraine be a part of “European political communityFor now, it should be noted that Kiev’s accession to the actual EU may take years, if not years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the idea, making it clear that Ukraine will not compromise on the status of EU candidate and subsequent full membership.
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