Ukraine applies to join European Union

Published March 1, 2022
This handout video grab taken and released by the Ukraine Presidency press service on Monday shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivering an address in Kyiv. — AFP
This handout video grab taken and released by the Ukraine Presidency press service on Monday shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivering an address in Kyiv. — AFP

KYIV: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has signed an application for Ukraine to join the European Union.

The action comes five days after Russia invaded its smaller neighbour, touching off widespread international condemnation and offers of military assistance from the 27-member nation EU and elsewhere.

Andrii Sybiha, head of Zelenskyys office, said on his official Facebook page that the documents are on the way to Brussels.

Photos of Zelenskyy were posted on Facebook. He was flanked by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and chairman of the parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The history is being created now,” the post said.

The application was largely symbolic, however. The process could take years.

EU membership must be unanimously approved by all members.

Ukraine has been weakened by endemic corruption for many years, making the benchmarks of approval extremely hard to reach.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...