Opinion on Ukraine’s status of EU candidate to come in next week

That’s according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who spoke at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following their talks.

“As you know, the Commission is currently preparing the recommendations, the so-called opinion for the EU member states. We have been working day and night on this assessment and I promised you in April, dear Volodymyr, that we will be tirelessly working on it. So the discussions today will enable us to finalize this assessment by the end of next week” von der Leyen said.

She added that Ukraine’s path is known, and that it is a “merit-based path forward,” noting that she highly praises Ukraine’s “enormous” efforts and determination in the process.

“The people of Ukraine have proven incredible strength, and motivation, and stamina so I’m deeply convinced that we will together – you will overcome this horrible atrocious war, we will and you will rebuild this beautiful country and modernize Ukraine,” von der Leyen said, concluding her statement with “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine).

As reported earlier, President of the European Council Charles Michel said after the European Commission delivers its opinion before the end of June, the issue will be included in the Council’s agenda.