‘The EU is very far from granting membership to Ukraine’ – French President Macron

European Union is still far from any immediate expansion involving the accession of Ukraine.

This information stated by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, during a press conference following the EU summit in Brussels.

“We are far from a real EU expansion that includes Ukraine. In any case, whatever this expansion might be, it will require a profound reform of our rules. This will only be possible either with a significant increase in funding or by replacing existing mechanisms and rules,” he said.

Responding to questions about risks to the EU’s agricultural sector, the French leader assured that the former Soviet republic’s entry wouldn’t harm local farmers.

“I am committed to Europe’s sovereignty in terms of agriculture. We will continue to defend it and support our production capacities,” Macron noted.

Furthermore, the head of state called the initiation of talks on Ukraine’s accession to the EU a political decision, adding that its legal significance would only occur after the opening of the intergovernmental conference.

According to him, the coming months are pivotal for both the European Union and Hungary, which did not block the decision of other countries.

“I expect from Viktor Orban, whose opinion and interests have been taken into account, that he will behave in a European manner and not undermine political progress,” emphasized the President.

At the same time, Macron clarified that Ukraine’s entry into the European Union would only be possible if its authorities fulfill all necessary conditions. “If this does not happen, there will be no start to negotiations.”

He also expressed hope that discussions on providing funding to Kyiv would proceed more smoothly by February.

The day before, EU leaders decided to start negotiations on the membership of Ukraine and Moldova and granted candidate country status to Georgia. A source in Brussels reported that the Hungarian leader “temporarily left the room during the voting.”

Orbán later stated that his country had not changed its position and would not share “this bad decision” with other countries. According to him, Budapest is not losing anything now and can stop Ukraine’s accession process another 75 times in the future.