Lithuania wants Ukraine to join the EU by 2030, Netherlands against deadline

LUXEMBOURG (ANP) – Unlike other countries, the Netherlands does not want to accelerate the accession process for Ukraine, emphasizes Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.

According to Veldkamp, Ukraine is “trying terribly hard, but the Netherlands is strict and critical about EU enlargement.” The Netherlands is helping Ukraine meet the criteria, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and good governance, he said.

Veldkamp was in the Ukrainian city of Lviv on Saturday because the Netherlands wants to assist the country in its EU accession process. Experts from six Dutch ministries have spoken with experts from Ukrainian ministries about how they can implement the necessary reforms and quickly meet other admission criteria.

Lithuania believes it is high time for the first negotiations between Ukraine and the EU to begin. “Ukraine has been a candidate for almost half a year now, but negotiations on opening clusters have not yet started,” said Budrys. Countries wishing to join the EU must meet a whole range of requirements, which are divided into six ‘clusters’ with different themes, such as the rule of law and finances. “If we count down from January 1, 2030, we have a very tight timeline.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen previously stated that the accession process must be accelerated.

(April 14, 2025)