Ex-Soviet states ‘not mature enough’ for EU accession
The former Soviet republics are not yet mature
enough for European Union membership, says the European
commissioner for external relations.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the EU was trying to create all the conditions necessary for the countries of the former Soviet bloc to draw closer to the European family.
"However, there is still an issue that has not matured, and that’s admission of those countries to the EU," Ferrero-Waldner said. "We have always said: whatever we can offer at this point, take it, try to comply with the criteria we put forward and avail of the opportunity to forge closer ties. We can’t give a definite answer to the membership question right now, but we do not rule out this possibility in the future."
Ferrero-Waldner said that, during discussions with its eastern partners, the 27-member EU has been consistently pointing to the need of pursuing reforms in the areas of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The Eastern Partnership covers the three South Caucasus republics - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia - as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. The program envisages simplified visa regulations, free trade and closer energy cooperation with the partner countries.*
Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the EU was trying to create all the conditions necessary for the countries of the former Soviet bloc to draw closer to the European family.
"However, there is still an issue that has not matured, and that’s admission of those countries to the EU," Ferrero-Waldner said. "We have always said: whatever we can offer at this point, take it, try to comply with the criteria we put forward and avail of the opportunity to forge closer ties. We can’t give a definite answer to the membership question right now, but we do not rule out this possibility in the future."
Ferrero-Waldner said that, during discussions with its eastern partners, the 27-member EU has been consistently pointing to the need of pursuing reforms in the areas of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The Eastern Partnership covers the three South Caucasus republics - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia - as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. The program envisages simplified visa regulations, free trade and closer energy cooperation with the partner countries.*
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