A Hungarian government official says Hungary backs Ukraine in its efforts to join the European Union.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said during a news briefing Tuesday he supports an “initiative” by presidents from eight countries located in Central and Eastern Europe calling for “immediate” Ukrainian EU membership at a time when Ukraine is under assault by Russia, according to Reuters.
“The Hungarian people did not want this war. Hungarians want peace, and we are doing all we can to ensure that peace is stored as soon as possible,” said Szijjarto, adding that Hungary backed its neighbor against the Russian attack. Hungary is one of the neighboring countries allowing entry of Ukrainians fleeing the violence.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CALLS FOR UKRAINE TO BECOME CANDIDATE FOR EU MEMBERSHIP
“We, the Presidents of the EU member states: the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Poland, the Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Slovenia strongly believe that Ukraine deserves receiving an immediate EU accession perspective,” the presidents of the countries wrote in their letter on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked on Monday that his country’s inclusion into the EU be fast-tracked using a “new special procedure” in light of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which began last Thursday.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has just signed a historical document-Ukraine’s application for European Union membership. In addition a joint statement was signed with Ruslan Stephanchuk,the Head of the Parliament,and Denys Shmygal, Prime Minister.Glory to Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/94BZLroH31
— Andrii Sybiha ?? (@andrii_sybiha) February 28, 2022
“Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing,” Zelensky said in a video address. “I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure we deserve it.”
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Ukraine joins Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey in seeking membership with the EU.
While seeking candidate status is a big step, a top EU official told the New York Times the membership process can take up to 18 months before going to member countries for review. From there, in order to join, the candidate needs all 27 countries to approve unanimously.
Additionally, Ukraine must ensure that its political and judiciary systems, along with its economy, are in line with those of the European Union’s common law system.
