BBG: Ukraine To Receive Initial EU Support For Path To Membership

Bloomberg reporting that, 'according to people familiar with the topic', Ukraine is set to receive initial EU support for Kyiv's path to membership application. Adds that the EU Commission is set to make the recommendation next week.

• Of course, all EU member states would need to unanimously support the opening of membership talks with Ukraine in order for the process to progress.
• While this will be viewed as positive news in Kyiv, there remain significant political and economic hurdles to Ukraine's membership application. Notably Germany has proved hesitant to offer a fast-track to Ukraine when other countries in the Western Balkans have gone through a lengthy process of reform and economic management in order to progress.
• Ukraine still short of the 'Maastricht criteria' of entry regarding the nation's fiscal position, and unclear whether Ukraine would meet EU standards on respect for the rule of law and fighting institutional corruption.