Ukraine and Moldova May Join European Parliament as Observers
Date: 2023-10-25 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
Roberta Metzola, the President of the European Parliament, has put forward a bold proposal, suggesting that deputies from Ukraine and Moldova could join the European Parliament as observers. Although these observers won't possess voting rights, they will secure a place in the institution, which is set to grow from 705 to 720 members after the June 2024 European Parliament elections.
Metzola emphasized that if countries like Moldova and Ukraine are looking toward Europe, then "Europe should widely open its doors." While these observer deputies from Ukraine and Moldova won't have the ability to vote, they will still have a presence in the institution.
To implement this idea of observer deputies, Metzola highlighted the need for maintaining communication with the political groups within the parliament. She also mentioned the possibility of extending a similar proposal to six candidate countries in the Western Balkans. When asked if she fears giving false hope for a quicker accession of Ukraine to the EU, the President of the European Parliament stressed that every country "has its own path."
Typically, members of the European Parliament can only assume their seats after the official accession agreement is signed, a process that can take years.
Ukraine's Path to EU Accession
Emine Dzhaparova, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Ukraine could commence negotiations for accession to the European Union at the beginning of the next year. This would follow the publication of the European Commission's report evaluating compliance with all the requirements.
Metzola emphasized that if countries like Moldova and Ukraine are looking toward Europe, then "Europe should widely open its doors." While these observer deputies from Ukraine and Moldova won't have the ability to vote, they will still have a presence in the institution.
To implement this idea of observer deputies, Metzola highlighted the need for maintaining communication with the political groups within the parliament. She also mentioned the possibility of extending a similar proposal to six candidate countries in the Western Balkans. When asked if she fears giving false hope for a quicker accession of Ukraine to the EU, the President of the European Parliament stressed that every country "has its own path."
Typically, members of the European Parliament can only assume their seats after the official accession agreement is signed, a process that can take years.
Ukraine's Path to EU Accession
Emine Dzhaparova, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Ukraine could commence negotiations for accession to the European Union at the beginning of the next year. This would follow the publication of the European Commission's report evaluating compliance with all the requirements.
