The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavsky expressed the opinion that the European Union should accept new countries gradually, but an exception should be made for Ukraine. He emphasized this during the Wachau European Forum in Austria.
He said this during European Forum Wachau in Austria.
Lipavsky believes that the simultaneous accession of several countries can “slow down fast candidates” who are able to adapt to EU norms much faster than others. He noted that adaptation to EU rules and reform are two parallel processes, and every European country that aspires to join and fulfills the necessary conditions should receive a European perspective.
However, Ukraine is a special case because it fell victim to an attack by Russia, which Lipavsky called a “fascist regime.” He emphasized that Putin’s war is imperialistic and directed against the whole of Europe, and the Czech Republic is also the target of Moscow’s hybrid attacks.
Lipavsky emphasized that Ukrainians have chosen democracy and the European way of life, therefore they deserve comprehensive support from the EU countries. He also reminded that the Czech Republic actively helps Ukraine by supplying weapons and accepting refugees.
We will remind that on June 21, the Council of the EU officially approved the mandate for accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, which paves the way for the first intergovernmental conference already on June 25
