EU Commission head signals Ukraine's accession before 2030

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday signaled that Ukraine might join the bloc before 2030.

“I really appreciate the political will that is there. I would even say Ukraine’s merit-based process if they continue at that speed and at that quality, perhaps they could be earlier than 2030,” von der Leyen said at the Support Ukraine summit in Kyiv, capital of the embattled country.

Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Monday to demonstrate support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of the war with Russia.

She said she was “deeply impressed by the speed and the quality” of how Ukraine is reforming and taking necessary steps while fighting a “war of survival.”

“You have here an example for highest merit, highest quality, and speedy delivery that is exemplary,” the EU Commission chief added.

Kyiv applied for EU membership in February 2022, just after Russia launched a war on its neighbor. The 27-member union started membership negotiations with Ukraine last June. Unanimous approval from all countries is required to admit a new member.