German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed an agreement to bring Ukraine closer to the European Union, and renewed her pledge that the former Soviet republic will some day join NATO.
Ms. Merkel spoke Monday in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, alongside Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. Both leaders praised the so-called "association agreement" on EU-Ukrainian ties. But the German leader again said it will not guarantee Ukraine full EU membership.
Chancellor Merkel also said Germany and other NATO countries will work with the Kyiv government on a plan to guide the country toward membership in the military alliance.
What does an association agreement actually mean in terms of EU status really?
Depends but association agreement isn't so compulsory. It's far from full EU membership. It is meant to create a framework for co-operation between EU and non-EU country. Areas frequently covered by such agreements include the development of political, trade, social, cultural and security links.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's about time for EU to create closer relations with Ukraine. I don't see any reason why Ukraine couldn't get an EU membership in some day. Well, of course Russia can slow down the process, and it will, but it can't stop it.