Former President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, has stated that the European Union cannot accept Ukraine as a full member. Juncker emphasized that due to Ukraine’s internal issues, it could only be offered a limited membership without voting rights.
“Due to corruption, a weak economy, and the lack of a strong state structure, Ukraine is unacceptable for full membership at this time,” Juncker pointed out.
He advised Brussels to offer a second-tier membership that would allow access to the common market and a voice in important debates, but without voting rights at the table of member states.
Juncker acknowledged that Kyiv has made progress in curbing corruption and dismantling the oligarchy but emphasized that partial membership would be more beneficial.
“Ukraine could have access to the EU, but not the right to vote in the European Council, where all 27 member states debate and vote on important matters of the bloc,” Juncker added.
He mentioned that he doesn’t want to give the impression that Ukraine is far from membership but wants to show that it is on the path to joining, without the full rights that come with full membership.
