European Commission President von der Leyen announces intensification of work to accelerate Ukraine's accession to EU

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union intends to strengthen work to accelerate the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU.

The Guardian reported this, referring to the statement of the European Commission President at the Munich Security Conference, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

Leyen noted that the defeat of Ukraine would weaken not only Europe, but also the United States.

According to her, the EU needs to "move mountains" to adapt to the new reality and "make good on Europe’s enduring promise of peace".

"We will step up our work to accelerate the accession process of Ukraine to the European Union. We have made significant progress already, but now is the time again to move mountains. My message is: you see Europe adapting, Europe stepping up, Europe making a difference – immediately,” the European Commission President said.

In addition, Leyen stressed that both the EU and the US want to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine and agree that Ukraine needs reliable security guarantees. She added that Europe needs a "surge in defense spending."

Von der Leyen also noted that Europe will be at the negotiating table on a peace agreement on Ukraine.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in June 2024, the EU Council approved the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession.