Spanish media: EC explores possibility of Ukraine's gradual integration into EU

The European Commission (EC) is considering formulas for the possible gradual integration of Ukraine into the European Union (EU).

The EC is exploring expansion methods that will allow candidate countries to participate in the single market and various bodies, after which the level of integration will increase, El Pais reports, citing sources.

According to the publication, this idea enjoys the support of France and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. However, it “raises doubts” among some EC departments, and is also not supported by a number of countries, which believe that such “progressiveness” will ultimately be a way to delay countries’ admission to the EU and encourage them not to complete the necessary reforms.

Meanwhile, supporters of the multi-stage integration formula note that “this is a more realistic option” that will allow the admission of new partner countries. Which countries adhere to this point of view and which are against it is not specified. The EC is expected to present its proposals next semester, during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Spain's acting foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, believes that "any idea that helps EU countries to get closer together is positive." "But we must not be mistaken, because what the candidate countries are asking for is full accession to the EU, and there can be no discounted tickets," the minister said.