🇪🇺 Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister expressed skepticism about Ukraine joining the EU as early as next year

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, said that Ukraine’s plans to become a full member of the European Union as early as next year look unrealistic due to the existence of clear EU enlargement rules and procedures. He made the statement on January 29 ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Source: OBOZREVATEL

According to Bettel, the EU accession process is based on the strict fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria, and no country can receive exceptional conditions. He warned Kyiv against exerting pressure and fixing specific dates, stressing that ultimatums could harm Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.

“Do not issue ultimatums. This is not in your interests. There are rules, and we cannot apply different standards to different countries,” the Luxembourg foreign minister noted.

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At the same time, Bettel emphasized that Europe must support Ukraine, which is effectively fighting for the security of the entire continent. According to him, the EU should provide Ukraine with guarantees and support without creating inflated expectations or humiliating the country during the negotiation process.