8 EU countries support Ukraine's call to fast-track membership talks

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Source: Yahoo News

On Monday, the leaders of eight European Union countries in Central and Eastern Europe gave their support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea to quickly facilitate his country’s membership in the EU.

“We, the Presidents of the EU member states: the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Poland, the Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Slovenia strongly believe that Ukraine deserves receiving an immediate EU accession perspective,” the leaders wrote in an open letter.

Zelensky asked for immediate EU membership as Russian troops encircle the cities in Ukraine, and much of Europe has rallied in support of Kyiv. Eastern European countries once under Soviet control have been particularly shaken by Russia’s invasion of its smaller neighbor.

Speaking at a briefing at the presidential palace in Kyiv, Zelensky appealed to the EU for “immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure.” He added: “Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I'm sure it’s possible."



Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/8-eu-countries-back-ukraines-call-to-fast-track-membership-talks-211832800.html

[Igel]

1. Most of the central European Warsaw Pact/Comecon members.

That makes sense.

[democratsruletheday]

4. It sure does and it's....

heartening and hopeful and......right. Let's hope it happens asap.

[democratsruletheday]

6. It sure does and it's....

heartening and hopeful and......right. Let's hope it happens asap.

[Lovie777]

2. I hope they do it now ......

Russia is out for more blood.

[PortTack]

3. Sure hope they do it!!

[C_U_L8R]

5. Ukraine shouldn't join the EU

The EU should join Ukraine, who have thoroughly proven themselves.

[iluvtennis]

7. Love it!

[LudwigPastorius]

8. Unless the 'new special procedure' entails skipping a mandatory yes vote...

from all EU members, membership is highly unlikely.

The Treaty of Lisbon includes a mutual defense clause, requiring the signatory countries to come to each others aid.

[Sogo]

9. Will someone explain what the significance of that immediate membership would be?

Is it that they could then ask for other members to join in their fight against Russia?

[onetexan]

10. I know membership in EU is typically seen as a step closer to being admitted to NATO

There being the validation of the neighboring countries that lays the foundation of mutual trust & reliance. More importantly, the people of ukraine & their current government have & continue to display the ideals of a united country, & a united Europe against aggression. They embody these ideals and have convinced the entire free world they have every right & need to be admitted to both the EU & NATO.

[left-of-center2012]

11. NATO and the EU are two different things

EU is more of a political and economic union
while NATO is a military defense pact.

Some countries belong to both and some belong to one or the other.

Joining the EU will not bind those countries to come to Ukraine's defense.

[onetexan]

12. i'm well aware, but being part of EU DOES entitle Ukraine to military protection. Read here

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2022/02/28/will-ukraine-join-the-eu-after-zelensky-signs-membership-application-heres-what-could-come-next/

"Joining the EU could immediately help Ukraine militarily, as EU members are bound by a mutual defense clause that requires other members to aid a country if it’s “the victim of armed aggression on its territory.”

Posted this earlier on another thread but bears repeating.