European Commission President responds to her predecessor's comment about "corrupt Ukraine"
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has responded to remarks made by her predecessor Jean-Claude Juncker about Ukraine being "corrupt", noting that the reforms Ukraine is implementing are impressive.
Source: Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda
Quote: "These reforms are impressive. They [the Ukrainian government – ed.] have been fighting against corruption and money laundering by strengthening the legal system. All this is a part of the reforms, the results of which we can see in everyday life in Ukraine. So they have not only approved the laws but are implementing them, and therefore negotiations on EU accession must start now."
Details: Von der Leyen added that Ukraine is fighting in a war against Russia, which had started the aggression against it.
"Ukraine is fighting another impressive battle, and that is the situation in which Russia is waging a war of conquest against Ukraine, and we want to once again send a very clear signal of European support," von der Leyen added.
Background:
- Juncker said in early October that Ukraine’s European partners should not make "false promises" about rapid EU accession, claiming that the country is not ready for membership yet, mainly due to the "corruption at all levels of society".
- In response, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, expressed his surprise at Juncker's statement and objected to it.
- "I do not recall Mr. Juncker coming to Ukraine during the last few years. So it is a bit odd hearing these words from him," Yermak responded.
- The European Commission has recommended starting accession negotiations with Ukraine, but Kyiv must implement further reforms.
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