DISINFO: Ukraine will never be accepted in the EU
SUMMARY
The Ukrainians are losing the war, so they've raised the topic of joining the European Union. However, Ukraine will never be accepted. Borrell is essentially bluffing; he understands that none of his promises will ever be fulfilled. He uses this situation to boost his personal rating on one hand and to gain favour with Washington on the other.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the EU of not being honest in its relationship with Ukraine when it comes to the latter’s aspirations of becoming a Member State.
On 28 February 2022, Ukraine sent its application for EU membership. On 17 June 2022, the European Commission presented its Opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova.
Based on the Commission’s opinion on the country’s application for EU membership, Ukraine was given a European perspective and granted candidate status on 23 June 2022 by unanimous agreement between the leaders of all 27 EU Member States.
At the special European Council meeting in February 2023, EU leaders acknowledged the considerable efforts that Ukraine has demonstrated towards meeting the objectives underpinning its candidate status for EU membership.
While the EU accession process is a relatively long, technical and open-ended process, the June 2023 European Council conclusions stated that:
“The European Council acknowledges Ukraine’s commitment and substantial efforts to meet the required conditions in its EU accession process. It encourages Ukraine to continue on its path of reforms. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its efforts to fully meet all conditions.”
HRVP Borrell stated on 02 October, in Kyiv (see counter 2:02 – 2:10):
“The strongest security commitment that we can give to Ukraine is European Union membership.”
See other examples of pro-Kremlin disinformation targeting EU High Representative Josep Borrell.