The Austrian Minister of EU Affairs and Constitutional Affairs Caroline Edstadler said that Ukraine’s entry into the EU could not be achieved “in the next five to ten years.” It is reported by Euraactiv.
Recently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Alexander Shallenberg, invited Ukraine to consider other ways to approach the EU, except membership.
Edstadler commented on the situation, saying that the full process of Ukraine’s accession will be a “long-term adaptation process, which, of course, cannot be achieved in the next five to ten years,” since “some states in the Western Balkans have been waiting for the next step.”
She added that there can be no accelerated procedure for Ukraine.
“Foreign Minister also wanted to say this that, perhaps, it may also be necessary to show a creative approach in how you introduce Ukraine to Western values. It is obvious that Ukraine has heard the rejection of EU membership, and this is not what was what was available In view, and this is not Austria’s position, ”said Edststadler.
Austria is one of the few European countries that refused to supply weapons to Ukraine, deciding to support the country with humanitarian aid.
At the moment, the country has delivered 10,000 helmets, body armor and 100,000 liters of fuel, and also provided the red cross and other NGOs in the amount of 17.5 million euros. The Austrian government brings 10 million euros to the program of assistance to Ukraine from the World Bank.