On March 4, ambassadors from European Union member states will convene in Brussels for an informal dinner aimed at discussing potential changes to the EU’s enlargement methodology.
The meeting will include representatives from the European Commission, focusing on the process of EU expansion and the challenges surrounding Ukraine’s application for membership.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the ambassadors will explore the Commission’s recent initiative to introduce new rules for candidate countries seeking EU membership. This topic was previously highlighted in an exclusive interview with EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, who emphasized the need for clear criteria without external influences.
The European Commission is expected to unveil its proposed changes to the enlargement rules in the coming months. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the EU to provide a definitive timeline for Ukraine’s accession, expressing concerns that without a clear commitment, Russia, with Hungary’s support, could obstruct Ukraine’s path to membership for decades.
In response, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that setting a specific date for Ukraine’s EU membership is currently not feasible.
EU ambassadors will meet to discuss the enlargement process and Ukraine's membership aspirations, amid ongoing debates about new accession criteria. President Zelensky has called for a clear timeline for Ukraine's EU entry, while the Commission remains cautious about setting specific dates.
Source: Європейська правда