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Emmanuel Macron has indicated that the UK could be offered a stronger relationship with Brussels as part of a new “political European community” that would include countries that have neither joined nor left the EU.
French President Emmanuel Macron said it would allow countries like the United Kingdom and Ukraine to select their level of integration with Europe while speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
He denied the concept that Ukraine would be able to join the EU any time soon, stating that in the meanwhile, the country, which is currently fighting Russian forces, must demonstrate that it is already a part of Europe.
“Even if we grant it candidate status tomorrow, we all know that the process of allowing it to join will take years, if not decades.”
Rather than lowering rules to allow countries to join more quickly, Macron proposed creating a competing organization that might appeal to countries that wanted to join the bloc or countries that had already left in an apparent reference to the United Kingdom.
“Due to its fight and bravery, Ukraine is already a heartfelt part of our Europe, family, and union,” Mr. Macron concluded.
Rather than revising the EU’s stringent membership requirements, Mr. Macron proposed starting a new parallel European initiative that would appeal to potential EU members.
Mr. Macron’s revamped approach may include the United Kingdom and other EU departing countries. However, despite Brexit, Mr. Macron stated in Berlin later Monday that the UK would be afforded a “full position” in the community.
He asserted that this “European political community” would be open to democratic European countries adhering to its core values in areas such as political cooperation, security, energy cooperation, transportation, infrastructure investment, and people circulation.
He noted that joining it “does not rule out future EU membership.” “Neither would it be closed to those who were leaving.”
Relations between the pro-EU French president and Boris Johnson are tense after multiple differences over Brexit and fishing rights. So it remains to be seen how the suggestions will be received in Number 10.
Mr. Macron noted that speaking about Europe’s future priorities contrasted dramatically with Russia’s behavior on the same day when the Soviet Union showcased its military might in Moscow to commemorate the triumph over Nazi Germany in WWII.
“We have provided two very different views of 9 May,” Mr. Macron said.
“On one, there was a desire for a show of power and intimidation and a strongly warlike rhetoric. But, on the other hand, there was here… an association of citizens and legislators – national and European – for a future purpose.”
Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that he wants Ukraine to join the European Union, and he recently called on European leaders to show that they stand with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
“With us, the European Union will undoubtedly be more stronger,” he stated. “Without you, Ukraine will be lonely,” he said.
