Austrian Chancellor puts Ukraine in line

Ukraine should apply for membership in the European Union on equal terms with other candidates. This was stated by Neue Zürcher Zeitung Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker.

"(Ukraine) has the opportunity to become a member of the EU, as well as the countries of the Western Balkans... I believe that the conditions should be the same for everyone," the Chancellor said, noting that he is not in favor of an accelerated accession procedure and believes that "the acceptance criteria must be met."

Earlier, the Financial Times newspaper reported that the Ukrainian-European conflict settlement plan submitted by the United States presupposes Ukraine's accession to the EU by January 1, 2027.