politics
Ukraine Envoy Backs Gradual EU Integration to Deliver Early Benefits
Vsevolod Chentsov said gradual steps would allow Ukraine to feel enlargement gains now. He urged focus on substance over titles while EU states weigh options. Last week all members advanced the second accession cluster.
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Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union, told Euronews on Monday that gradual integration offers a practical route to early benefits from EU enlargement. He said the emphasis should remain on concrete steps rather than formal labels. Chentsov stated that other member states and the European Commission are also examining ways to bring Ukraine closer.
"The idea is good because we need to deepen our partnership, economic cooperation, institutional setup," he said. "There are several ideas on how to get Ukraine closer. " German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed an associate membership status that would include security guarantees.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained that Ukraine seeks full membership without any partial arrangements. Chentsov added that Ukraine stands ready to open all accession clusters immediately. "We are ready to open all EU accession clusters today," he said.
"We don't think there is any reason to keep this process pending. " Last week all EU countries agreed to advance the second of six accession clusters for Ukraine and Moldova. Formal confirmation of that step is scheduled for 14 July.
