Austria's FM says Ukraine shouldn't be given EU membership, Ukraine criticises statement

As Ukraine is seeking membership in European Union, Foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg stated last week that Ukraine should not be awarded membership in European Union. While Schallenberg supports stronger relations between Europe and Ukraine, he doesn't support full membership of Ukraine. When asked why Ukraine shouldn't be granted EU candidate status this June, Schallenberg stated that Western Balkan republics are also now negotiating EU membership.

Ukraine has me it clear that it wants to join European Union after years of growing relations with West, and with Russia's invasion of Ukraine at end of February, se appeals became much louder. Russian President Vlimir Putin expressed concerns about Ukraine's increasing relations with West both before and during invasion, with many citing attempts to join EU and NATO as examples.

Ukraine expressed disappointment over Austrian Foreign Minister's opinion

In meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's opinion that Ukraine should not be granted EU membership. Oleh Nikolenko, who is a spokesman for Foreign Ministry stated that Austrian Federal Foreign Minister's words about Ukraine's European future have left Ukraine unsatisfied, according to European Pravda. He furr claimed that Austria is strategically shortsighted and incompatible with goals of a unified Europe.

He quoted Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba as saying that Ukrainian people pay a too high price for many European governments' mistakes and that ir distorted view of reality has alrey contributed to Europe's political and economic weakness. In meanwhile, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alrey filed Ukraine's membership application, and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that EU wants Ukraine to join bloc. In late February, von der Leyen stated that Ukraine belongs to EU and that y want Ukraine in because y are one of m.

EU supports Ukraine

European Union has supported Ukraine ever since Russia started its military aggression in country. 27 member bloc has imposed harsh sanctions against Russian Federation. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy met with President of European Council Charles Michel, praising European Union for its continued support and aid in Ukraine's struggle.

Image: AP