Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022 after the outbreak of conflict with Russia. (Source: Youtube)

However, Ambassador Katarina Mathermova noted that whether Ukraine can join the EU by 2030 depends on Kiev's success in each step of the process.

Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, after a conflict with Russia broke out. On June 25, all 27 members of the Council of the European Union (EC) unanimously approved the necessary framework for negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova for their accession to the EU.

Asked whether the negotiations could be completed in the next few years, Mathernova said this scenario was too optimistic, stressing that it depends on how Ukraine carries out each step of the process.

The EU ambassador acknowledged Ukraine’s determination and perseverance, saying that “in the case of Ukraine, it may take less time than some other countries.” “I believe that 2030 is a very realistic date for Ukraine to join the EU,” Mathernova said.

Ms Mathernova explained that the next step in the process is a bilateral screening, comparing EU law with Ukrainian law to identify differences and areas that need to be addressed. This screening process is expected to take several months, after which negotiations on specific areas such as the environment, financial regulation and financial markets will begin. She noted that Ukraine’s rule of law, democratic governance and anti-corruption will also be assessed against EU standards.

After the negotiations are concluded, Ukraine must go through three more major steps to become a full member: the European Commission makes a final assessment, the accession agreement is signed, and all EU member states ratify it.