Irish PM Micheál Martin: Ukrainians Deserve EU Membership

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose country began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, stated that the Ukrainian people deserve EU membership. He also expressed hope that all difficulties Ukraine faces with its neighbors on this path will be overcome.

Martin made this statement on Wednesday in Dublin during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by «European Pravda». His remarks came after Zelenskyy expressed hope that Poland and Hungary would not hinder Ukraine's EU accession.

«First and foremost, accession to the EU is what the Ukrainian people deserve and need. And it is what they aspire to as they defend their country. They want the European way of life and all the freedoms associated with it. And we must keep this in mind as a central goal. Russia cannot win this war,» Martin emphasized. He also noted that Ukraine's disputes with Poland and Hungary's opposition to rapid accession are not unique to the EU enlargement process, citing similar situations in the Western Balkans.

Martin stressed: «Our own history testifies to this,» referring to the Good Friday Agreement, which resolved the ethnopolitical conflict in Northern Ireland. He expressed optimism regarding developments in Hungary after the elections, calling them a «breath of fresh air,» and hopes for the further opening of new clusters for Ukraine. The Irish Prime Minister pledged constructive cooperation with all parties to achieve this goal. Ireland assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU from Cyprus on July 1. Zelenskyy, for his part, expressed hope that Ukraine would «not lose a single month» in the context of EU accession during this six-month period.