First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Kornienko said that Ukraine will likely become a full member of NATO before it joins the European Union. He made the remarks during a “geopolitical dialogue” organized by the Center for European Policy in Brussels.
"I wouldn't like to be a prophet, but, in my opinion, we will become members of NATO before the European Union. This is due to certain traditions of EU enlargement," the politician noted.
Kornienko also reported that he visited Brussels as part of a state delegation to discuss an important stage of the integration process - the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with European standards. This process is a key condition for any country's accession to the EU.
The politician pointed out that EU enlargement has always taken place after the European Parliament elections, the next of which will be held in 2029. In his opinion, this could be a possible window for the next wave of enlargement. However, he acknowledged that five years in politics is a long period and it is difficult to predict how events will develop.
Kornienko confirmed that Ukraine is making every effort to prepare for EU membership and is ready to work on the reforms necessary to join both unions. He also stressed that the decision on Ukraine's membership will depend on the will of EU member states.
It is worth noting that in June 2023, the first intergovernmental conference between Ukraine and the EU was held in Luxembourg, and the European Council has already announced the start of negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
