The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has said once again that Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Moldova belong in the Union.
Such a remark from von der Leyen was made in her State of the Union address on September 13, which marks the start of the working year for the EU.
In this year’s speech, von der Leyen decided to keep the focus on the enlargement of the EU, saying that this move is very important for the countries in the bloc as well as the ones that are to join in the future.
Von der Leyen stressed that the ‘future is clear to see’ and, at the same time, highlighted that Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Moldova belong in the EU.
The future of Ukraine is in our Union. The future of the Western Balkans is in our Union. The future of Moldova is in our Union. And I know just how important the EU perspective is for so many people in Georgia.
In her address, von der Leyen said that accession to the EU is not an easy road. However, she pointed out that there is already a lot of progress and determination from these countries.
Moreover, von der Leyen noted that accession is merit-based and that the Commission will always defend this principle, suggesting that the candidate countries must meet all the requirements.
While von der Leyen warned that EU accession must be merit-based, she further argued that the next enlargement must be a catalyst for progress.
According to her, ‘Team Europe’ can work with more than 30 member states, and a union fit for enlargement can be achieved faster.
We have proven that we can be a Geopolitical Union and showed we can move fast when we are united. And I believe that Team Europe also works at 30+.
The speech of von der Leyen contained words for Romania and Bulgaria, too, which have so far been denied entry to the Schengen Area.
Von der Leyen said that the two countries are exampled of best practices on asylum and migrant returns.
They have proved it: Bulgaria and Romania are part of our Schengen area. So let us finally bring them in – without any further delay.
As for Ukraine, von der Leyen said that the EU will continue to provide support to the country and announced that the Commission will propose to extend temporary protection to Ukrainians in the bloc.
