A new EU sanctions announcement was made on Wednesday, but leaders are expected to reject Ukraine’s request for swifter EU membership when they meet on Thursday to address Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reports Reuters.
As the conflict approaches its 14th day, two million Ukrainian have flown abroad, the 27-nation European Union blacklisted 14 more Russian billionaires and froze ties with Belarus’ central bank and key lenders there, the executive European Commission said.
An EU source clarified that Kyiv’s request to join the group quickly was a no-go ahead as the leaders meet at Versailles, outside Paris, on Thursday and Friday.
Adding that the leaders still intended to enhance relations with Ukraine, but the source added, “Membership might take a long time.”
The source is taking part in the Versailles discussions. Increasing Kyiv’s access to the European Union’s single market and energy infrastructure will be discussed as part of discussions on “association plus plus,” according to an official.
Ukraine, which is seeking Western financial, military, and other help as it fights Russia, is likely to be disappointed by this.
“It’s doubtful that the leaders would grant Ukraine EU candidate status. It is more probable that the association agreement will be more cooperative,” another EU official said.
Ukraine is now amid a war, partly under Russian control, and the Russians may totally occupy it one day. It was only after massive public demonstrations in 2014 that Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was toppled and an EU association deal was agreed.
Russia took Ukraine’s Crimea in retaliation, which triggered Western sanctions on Russia’s energy, financial, and defence industries.
Increased fines
On Wednesday, the United States imposed penalties on 160 people, including 14 more oligarchs and the director of Russia’s national airline Aeroflot.
The EU has imposed sanctions on 862 individuals and 53 organisations related to the Ukraine incursion. In addition, the EU banned the supply of marine technology to Russia and attempted to restrict the use of crypto assets to evade sanctions.
Belarus’ Central Bank is prohibited from conducting transactions and three Belarusian banks, Belagroprombank, Bank Dabrabyt and the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus, are expelled from SWIFT. Seven Russian banks have previously been targeted by the EU.
Also on Thursday, EU leaders will meet to examine methods to reduce their nations’ dependence on Russian energy supplies.
Despite this, they are divided about how much pressure to put on Russia and how many new EU members to accept, a process that needs unanimity.
To become a member of the EU, one must satisfy several economic, political and other requirements over the course of several years.
Ex-communist countries like Poland and Hungary, who joined the EU in 2004, have grown more Euro-sceptic despite receiving financial help from the EU.
Works at The Truth International Magazine. My area of interest includes international relations, peace & conflict studies, qualitative & quantitative research in social sciences, and world politics. Reach@ aimen.bukhari@tti.org.pk
