May 24, 2022, 9:41 PM

Ukraine unlikely to be considered for EU membership: Dutch PM

TEHRAN, May 24 (MNA) – Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Ukraine was "very far away" from gaining candidate status before the start of Russia’s ‘special operation’ in the country.

While EU leaders have previously said that Ukraine was part of the European family, the statement was more “emotional” than “legal,” the official clarified, according to Russia Today.

According to Rutte, too many countries in the EU don't like the idea. It would also be unfair to countries in the Western Balkans that have been waiting much longer for candidate membership, the PM said in parliament.

Earlier this week on May 22, France's Europe minister Clement Beaune said Ukraine's EU membership is "15 or 20 years" away.

KI/PR

News ID 187169