EC rep: Ukraine needs 6-11 years to join EU

The process of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, even under an accelerated procedure, will take from 6 to 11 years, head of the European Commission’s representative office in Austria, Martin Selmayr, said in an interview with Kleine Zeitung.

He noted that Kyiv has a lot of work to do on European integration.

Selmayr reminded that at one time it took Austria 6 years to join the EU, and Spain 11 years.

"Ukraine may end up somewhere in the middle... However, Kyiv still has a lot to do, I mean, in particular, [reforms to achieve] the independence of the judicial system and the effectiveness of the administration,” he said.

At the same time, the EC representative noted that Europe should keep its promise to Ukraine to accept the republic into the political union.

The EC recently officially recommended granting Ukraine candidate status for EU membership. The EC set conditions for the country that it must fulfill in the future - on the rule of law, justice and the fight against corruption.

Earlier, the European Parliament suggested that already in 2029 Ukraine will be able to participate in the EP elections as a full member of the EU.





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