Von der Leyen offers Ukraine fast track to EU membership | DW News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv on Friday presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with paperwork for his country to join the European Union.

Handing over a document at a joint press conference, she said: "This is where your path towards the European Union begins."

Von der Leyen said she intended to, "present Ukraine's application to the [European] Council this summer."

During the joint press conference von der Leyen said: "Russia will descend in economic, financial and technological decay while Ukraine is marching towards a European future."

Von der Leyen traveled to Ukraine with her deputy Josep Borrell, who is also the bloc's commissioner for foreign and security affairs. During the trip, the first by high-ranking EU officials since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, von der Leyen traveled to the city of Bucha.

Follow DW on social media:

#Ukraine #Bucha #EU

[nothereandthereanywhere]

I knew Von der Leyen had some "balls", but this is totally new level. Well done to her indeed. Ukraine, keep fighting, that woman doesn't make promises lightly.

[joysimpson]

I love the way she smiles when she looks at him . He really has earned the world’s admiration.. All the best to Ukraine you deserve to be free ..

[samatha]

wow, very clearly stated and significant.

[christchaik]

If we had seen this video even a week ago, none of us would've believed our own eyes. No one really expected that Zelensky and Mrs. Von Der Leyen would've been able to meet in person during active wartime.

[kbone]

THIS meeting in Ukraine was BRILLIANT! Great to see a stronger level of solidarity. This is the kind of respect that Putin craves, and will NEVER get.

[josephineespiritu]

Seeing is believing. And she saw so much, how horrible the enemies has done to UKRAINE. May peace be brought to both countries...for the sake of the russians, and much more of Ukrainians.

[manolingz]

Thank you President Von der Leyen. Thank you Western Nations. The world
will remember you stand against Russian barbarity. 🕊❤🌿

[gyderian]

As a Finn & EU citizen I'd like to see Ukraine with us as well 😘 🇫🇮🇪🇺🇺🇦

[leydyreeves]

European union made the difference with that visit in Ukraine. That is significant for all the people in Ukraine and the people in the world.

[jdmmg]

I stand with Ukraine. I'm glad they are offered a chance to become a member of the EU.

[gabrieljean-batiste]

What a difference a couple of weeks can make! It's great to see Europe acting quickly & decisively for a change. Europe owes a severe debt to the resilient, brave people of Ukraine; this offer is a worthy acknowledgement.

Edit: And, yes, I believe Ukraine should've been offered membership years ago. But between Europe thinking that it would make Putin upset (there was never any pleasing him, anyway, but you can't fault them for trying) & the EU wanting to focus on cohesion rather than new additions after Brexit, one can understand why the EU was previously reluctant. At any rate, they're doing the right thing now. That counts for something.

[karinmoseley]

Thank you for reporting on the ground in Ukraine.

[jimcarrington]

Thank you for bringing this to the public.
This homeless disabled American military veteran, considers this to be important for the public to be made aware of.
People should learn to appreciate their freedom properly!

[HenryDownes]

Covid. Now this!
I stand with Ukraine, with the children. My heart breaks for them.

[tenguayaqa]

If Ukraine can pull off victory over Russia - and they will if given the necessary tools and support - they have definitively more than earned it.

[cnath]

This is beautiful to see, the brave people of Ukraine have earned the world's admiration. I hope this gives Ukrainians more strength to win the war that still rages in the south and east.

[sadenbrick]

Congratulations for visiting Ukraine people.

[katarn]

I don't even particularly like Ursula von der Leyen - but this visit is very significant. Well done.

[mylifemark]

now that is an act that will help end the war as quickly as possible.

[AnitaCorbett]

A good strong message sent
Well done