Ireland supports earliest possible accession of Ukraine to EU

Bild reports with reference to the statement of Simon Coveney, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ireland.

"What motivates many Ukrainians is the dream of different future.The kind of future we have today in EU, from the point of view of peace, stability, prosperity, democracy and everything that follows that", he said.

According to him, country "which is literally fighting for its survival against military superpower" should be able to hope for full membership in EU, and not for some partial membership or neighborhood agreement.

In addition to Ukraine, Minister noted, other countries, such as Balkan countries or former Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia, should also benefit from the expansion.

Coveney emphasized that there should be mandatory standards that candidate countries must meet.

"But we also have to celebrate progress when it happens", he added.

• On June 17, European Commission recommended granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for joining European Union. Same recommendations were given to Moldova, but Georgia was given only a "European perspective".  

• On June 23, European Parliament adopted resolution calling on the heads of state and government of EU, which hold relevant summits, to "immediately" grant Ukraine and Republic of Moldova the status of EU candidate. Decision was supported by 529 voting participants. 

• On June 23, the Eurocouncil at the summit of EU leaders granted the status of candidates for EU membership to Ukraine and Moldova.