Ukraine, Orban to Zelensky: “Candidate countries do not decide on EU accession”

Bilzen (Belgium), Feb. 12 (LaPresse) – “You are on the wrong path. EU accession is a merit-based process. Member States set the conditions — not candidate countries.” Thus Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on X responding to a post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he stated that Kyiv is ready to join the EU in 2027.”It is important that Ukraine does everything possible to be technically ready for EU accession by 2027. At least we will complete the main steps. I want a specific date. If in the agreement, under which America, Russia – specifically Putin – I as President of Ukraine and Europe sign, there is no date, then Russia will do everything possible to block the process. And not even with its own hands, but through certain European representatives,” the Ukrainian leader had written. “We have seen similar situations: when the clusters were not opened – he specified -. Problems arose with the candidacy. There was an entire wave of challenges, and our struggle. But despite everything, we obtained candidacy. With the clusters, it is more complicated. For us, the EU means specificity, because it concerns security guarantees for Ukraine. It concerns specific details, with a specific date. And my signature today, on the 20-point plan, the plan to end the war, guarantees Ukrainians that there will be a specific date for our accession.”