"The war in Ukraine has given an impetus": Charles Michel speaks about EU enlargement and calls for reforms

Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has signaled the European Union to grant membership to more states. The bloc should adopt the reforms necessary for new enlargement by 2030. The victory will be the strengthening of the EU's international influence.

This was stated by the head of the European Council Charles Michel before the 20th anniversary of the EU's great enlargement, when 10 members joined the bloc at once, Reuters reports. At that time, the countries of the former USSR, as well as Malta and Cyprus, became members of the European Union.

"It was the call of history to unite European countries. 20 years later, we are facing a similar challenge because there is geopolitical chaos, including because of Russia's war against Ukraine. Confronting this chaos is a geopolitical strategy to unite again," Michel emphasized.

He reminded that currently, in addition to Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and six Balkan states - Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania - are candidates for EU membership.

Ukraine is the largest potential EU member with about 40 million people and a large agricultural sector, Charles Michel emphasized.

"Because of the war started by Russia against Ukraine, there is a new impetus, a revitalization of the enlargement strategy. This is a difficult challenge. But what is the alternative? The alternative would be a terrible, irresponsible mistake on the part of the EU," the European politician emphasized.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova believes that our country is ready for negotiations on joining the bloc. She emphasized that Ukraine is "on the right track".

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