Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially signed an application for Ukraine's membership in the European Union (EU) on Monday.
The application was made following a statement by European Chief Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen who had previously promised to accept Ukraine's participation in the bloc.
In a tweet shared the deputy head of the president’s office, Andrii Sybiha, showed President Zelensky who had just signed the application document.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has just signed a historical document-Ukraine’s application for European Union membership. In addition a joint statement was signed with Ruslan Stephanchuk, the Head of the Parliament, and Denys Shmygal, Prime Minister.Glory to Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/94BZLroH31
- Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) February 28, 2022
Before the application was made, Zelensky had urged the EU to allow Ukraine’s immediate entry under a ‘new special procedure’.
He added that Ukraine's goal in joining the EU was to be with all Europeans and most importantly to be 'equal'.
"I am sure it is fair. I'm sure we deserve it. I'm sure all this can be done ", said Zelensky.
Ukraine is currently not recognized as an official candidate for membership of the bloc, although it has been part of an association agreement with the EU (under which both sides agreed to coordinate their economies in certain areas and strengthen political ties) since 2017.
This will certainly arouse Russian anger if Ukraine joins the EU given that most of the bloc’s member states join NATO.
