European Commission chief says Ukraine joining EU will assure free state

(MENAFN) The long-term prosperity of an independent Ukraine ultimately depends on joining the European Union, a step that also serves as a major security guarantee, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday following consultations among European and Canadian leaders on Ukraine.

“Ultimately, the prosperity of a free Ukrainian state lies in accession to the EU. It’s also a key security guarantee in its own right,” von der Leyen wrote on the US-based social media platform X.

Her comments followed a Berlin Format phone call convened by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, bringing together European and Canadian leaders to coordinate support for Ukraine, including security arrangements and postwar reconstruction.

Von der Leyen emphasized that EU enlargement benefits not only candidate countries but the entire bloc, noting that past waves of expansion have strengthened Europe as a whole.

European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed Merz’s initiative, saying the meeting allowed leaders to review the latest developments in peace negotiations related to Ukraine. “We are united in our determination to intensify efforts toward a just and sustainable peace,” Costa said.

Merz, also posting on X, said Ukraine’s partners are making progress toward peace and stressed the need for openness from all sides. “Transparency and honesty are now required from everyone – including Russia,” he said.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb described the discussion as “highly useful” in aligning leaders’ understanding of the peace process. He added that coordination with Ukrainian and US partners would continue in the coming days and weeks.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said efforts to secure strong and credible security guarantees for Ukraine remain ongoing, underlining their importance to any lasting settlement.

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