EU launches procedure to consider Ukraine's membership application

Ukraine belongs to the European family, so the EU leaders invited the European Commission to submit its opinion on the country's EU membership application. 

This is stated in the resolution of the informal EU summit, which began yesterday in Versailles, France. The full text of the document has been published on the European Council's website.

“The European Council acknowledged the European aspirations and the European choice of Ukraine, as stated in the Association Agreement. On 28 February 2022, exercising the right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny, the President of Ukraine submitted the application of Ukraine to become a member of the European Union. The Council has acted swiftly and invited the Commission to submit its opinion on this application in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaties. Pending this and without delay, we will further strengthen our bonds and deepen our partnership to support Ukraine in pursuing its European path. Ukraine belongs to our European family,” reads the document.

In the document, the EU leaders noted that Russia had brought war back to Europe two weeks ago. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermines European and global security and stability.

This aggression is inflicting unspeakable suffering on the Ukrainian population. Russia, and its accomplice Belarus, bear full responsibility for this war of aggression and those responsible will be held to account for their crimes, including for indiscriminately targeting civilians and civilian objects. In this respect, the EU leaders welcomed the decision of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to open an investigation.

“We call for the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to be ensured immediately with the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We demand that Russia ceases its military action and withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine immediately and unconditionally, and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders,” says the statement.

The EU heads of state and government commend the people of Ukraine for their courage in defending their country and our shared values of freedom and democracy, noting that they will not leave Ukrainians alone. The EU and its Member States will continue to provide coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support.

“We are committed to provide support for the reconstruction of a democratic Ukraine once the Russian onslaught has ceased. We are determined to increase even further our pressure on Russia and Belarus. We have adopted significant sanctions and remain ready to move quickly with further sanctions,” the EU leaders underscore.

As noted, countless people are fleeing the war in Ukraine and the EU countries offer temporary protection to all war refugees from Ukraine. The EU heads of state and government commend European countries, notably at the borders with Ukraine, for showing immense solidarity in hosting Ukrainian war refugees. The EU and its Member States will continue to show solidarity and provide humanitarian, medical and financial support to all refugees and the countries hosting them.

The leaders call for funds to be made available without delay through a swift adoption of the proposal on Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) and through ReactEU.

“We call on Russia to fully abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law. It must ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the victims and internally displaced persons in Ukraine, and allow safe passage for those civilians who want to leave,” the document reads.

On February 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the start of the invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure, missiles are hitting houses.

Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the support of the entire nation, are courageously resisting aggression.

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