Ukrainian MP says hopes for earlier full EU membership

For the first time in the history of the European Union (EU), Ukraine has received the status of a candidate member of the EU, as a country on whose territory large-scale hostilities are taking place, and even more so as a country, part of whose territory is under the temporary occupation of Russian troops.

Of course, for us, this is an important, turning point both in the history of Ukraine and in the life of every Ukrainian, as it opens a window of opportunity for us.

According to UNIAN, this was stated by the People's Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Yulia Yatsyk.

“I'm not talking about access to financial resources, or international financial assistance to Ukraine, which we now certainly need, UNIAN quotes the member of the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) Yulia Yatsyk as saying.

"Now I am talking about a new, qualitatively different level of support for Ukraine in the international arena. In particular, in the confrontation with Russian aggression. We are well aware that the path to full EU membership will not be easy or quick. For this, the EU put forward a number of requirements. This includes the appointment of a new head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office of the General Prosecutor's Office, judicial reform, anti-corruption reform, as well as reforms in healthcare, culture, and education, including bringing our legislation in line with European standards. Therefore, we have something to work on,” the member of parliament noted.

According to her, even countries like Finland and Sweden took 3 years to change from EU candidate status to full member status:

“To this end, we enlist the support of the international community. The delegations of Ukraine are adopting the experience of the EU, member countries of this organization. We cooperate with such institutions as Europol, EUROJUST and other international organizations that share with us their experience in implementing such reforms. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers named the approximate date for Ukraine's accession to the EU as 2029. In this sense, I am optimistic. Therefore, I think that Ukraine will receive the status of a full member of the EU much earlier.”