Lührmann deems the commencement of EU accession discussions as a "significant day" for Ukraine.
Progress in rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom have been significant for Ukraine and Moldova, according to Luhrmans. Nevertheless, meeting all criteria for EU membership might take a long time, possibly even several decades. For Ukraine specifically, establishing peace with Russia is a critical requirement. No admission is assured.
Luhrmans underlined that if Ukraine joins the EU, the latter must prepare for this expansion. Reforms should focus on allowing "less damaging obstacles" to occur. In recent months, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has hindered negotiations with Ukraine. Given that Hungary will soon assume the EU presidency from July, discussions are unlikely to advance shortly.
Relations with Ukraine will be a topic at the EU summit in Brussels commencing Thursday. Leaders will discuss potential "security guarantees" for Ukraine, which Kiev has previously agreed to in a similar fashion with the U.S. Germany and Ukraine already have bilateral agreements.
