Ukraine On Long Way To Become A Member Of The European Union, Von Der Leyen: We Stay By Your Side, For As Long As It Takes.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to the Bucha region, Ukraine. Wikimedia Commons/Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - The Executive President of the European Union (EU) said Ukraine has a very clear European perspective, but the road to EU membership takes time and requires hard work, in a speech before the Ukrainian Parliament on Friday.

European Union leaders last week awarded Ukraine candidate status to join the bloc, formally opening up a process expected to take years before becoming a member of the now 27-nation union.

In a speech via video link, Ursula von der Leyen underlined the progress made by the country on its path to EU membership, while defending itself against the Russian invasion since February 24.

"Ukraine now has a very clear European perspective. And Ukraine is a candidate country to join the European Union, something that seemed almost inconceivable just five months ago," he told lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"There is a long road ahead but Europe will be by your side at every step, for as long as it takes, from the dark days of war to the moment you pass through the door leading to our European Union," he continued, noting that many important reforms were needed as soon as possible. .

"The next step is within your reach. But it will require hard work."

President Zelensky said Ukraine should soon become a member state of the European Union.

"Our path to membership should not take decades. We must cross this path as quickly as possible. It is up to us," he said.

Von der Leyen lists among the urgent steps that Ukraine needs to take: the implementation of a media law, the adoption of new rules that reduce the oligarchs' excessive influence and the appointment of high-ranking anti-corruption officials. President Zelensky urged lawmakers to pass all the measures.