President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Selensky, who became a hero of Ukraine during the brutal Russian invasion, officially applied for his country’s admission to the European Union on 28 February 2022, 17 years after the “Orange Revolution” and 8 years after the “Euromaidan”.

Article 49 of the EU Treaty allows such an application for membership to any European state that respects the fundamental values of the Union and is committed to promoting them.

We are aware of the many problems that stand in the way of Ukraine’s admission, not least its high level of corruption. However, a country that has been striving for 17 years to join Europe and is asking for admission in the greatest need must not be turned away.

We will closely follow the treatment of Ukraine’s application for membership and make proposals.