Ukraine is 'far' from being an eligible EU member state

"The EU will be careful about accepting a relatively volatile country into their round."

The continued war, allegations of corruption and arms held by civilians are all reasons the EU is reluctant to invite Ukraine into the EU too soon, says Anna Rosenberg, Head of Geopolitics at Amundi Asset Management.

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[bmunson]

‘Has to be a stable democracy???’ So how does Hungary qualify?

[natalieturko]

Ukraine may be "at war", but that is certainly not it's doing. They have proven themselves many times over by their courage, determination, and commitment to democracy. When this disastrous war ends, they should be fast-tracked into NATO.

[sjt]

Well, let's just accept them into NATO in the meantime.

[bmunson]

Romania, Bulgaria, etc., are no worse than Ukraine.

[zoran]

I don't get her "volatile" comment in connection with Ukraine being heavily armed. I thought having huge military capacities is a good thing for any alliance, isn't it?

[monkeymagic]

Give your heads a wobble folks they already have its just not formally announced lol

[mariusiulian]

EU has member states with quite formidable militaries, more than Ukraine. And member states with authoritarian regimes that could hardly be called as stable democracies. The arguments given seem quite superficial and out of touch with the times we are living in. Ursula von der Leyen said Russia is at [hybrid] war with Europe. Information, values, energy, etc - all under attack. IMHO, the only reason that Russia is not rolling its tanks through Europe now is because most are also NATO member states. So, talking about the need to demilitarize to be a “stable democracy” seems a bit inappropriate in this context. More likely it points towards an intrinsic mistrust towards Ukraine, and a certain air of superiority. Why not seize the opportunity to finally learn about the merits of investing in defense and security. Unless Russia is demilitarized one would need a strong military to deter further aggression. A certain president of France was talking about an European army, so I fail to see how demilitarization as a prerequisite for EU accession would help that…

[timothykatende]

Half a million people on the streets of London and this radio is reporting about Ukraine...you deserve a medal

[piotr.leniec-lincow]

They are great freedom fighters but not so great freedom makers

[donaldduck]

They can join CANZUK or CANZUKUK as it will have to be called if they join. CANZUK is similar to the EU but for nations with a sense of humour and also high quality aerospace technologies.

[claudepoulin]

IMO they should trough The German out and let the Bravest Ukrainian people in. If we ever get in a big conflict I want the Ukrainian not the cowards on my side.

[deannilvalli]

Good report. As much as we (I hope all people in the West) support Ukraine in difficult times, the EU is a rules-based organisation. These rules have to be adhered to and standards fulfilled before talks can even begin.
On the other hand, I think Ukraine will get in the EU before the UK (if it still exists) will.

[ragingmonk]

Ukraine is a good fit for the EU. Poorly trained, under funded military. They have the, rely heavily on US part down. Besides, UK left the EU so you are short one star on your flag.

[paulvalor]

Please. With will strong enough 2 years is probably too soon, but 4-5 we would handle gracefully.

[peterfox]

Not until this is over we don't want dragging into there war.

[lani]

The question really is, once the war finishes, why would the EU want Ukraine in it?

[susannamarker]

The Ukraine should remain outside the EU and trade with the whole world on its own terms. Why fight now for your sovereignty against Russia only to sign large parts of it over to Brussels later ? The Ukraine should do its own trade accords, attract foreign investment and fight its own endemic corruption levels.

[uweinhamburg]

Macron is a very intelligent guy - 30-40 years for Ukraine, minimum 50 years should the UK make up its mind and apply again.

[marek]

So pessimistic this German.. Ukraine will be in EU soon if not in then like Norway or Island before coming full member