Emmanuel Macron said the UK could be offered closer relations with Brussels as part of a new type of “political European community” that would include countries that have not joined or left the EU.
Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the French president said he would allow countries like the United Kingdom or Ukraine to decide on the level of integration they want with Europe.
However, he poured cold water on the idea that Ukraine would soon be able to join the EU, but said in the meantime that the country, which is currently fighting Russian forces, should receive an indication that it is already part of Europe.
“With its struggle and courage, Ukraine is already a heartfelt member of our Europe, of our family, of our union,” Macron said.
“Even if we give him candidate status tomorrow, we all know very well that the process of allowing him to join will really take several years, probably several decades.
Instead of changing the EU’s strict standards for membership, Macron has proposed the creation of a new parallel European project that may appeal to countries wishing to join the bloc.
Britain and other countries leaving the EU could also be part of Macron’s new plan. In Berlin later Monday, Macron said the UK would be offered a “full place” in the community.
He said this “European political community” would be open to democratic European nations that adhere to its core values in areas such as political cooperation, security, energy cooperation, transport, infrastructure investment or human movement.
“Joining it would not necessarily predetermine future EU membership,” he said. “Nor will it be closed to those who have left it.”
Relations between the pro-European French president and Boris Johnson have been frosty following repeated clashes over Brexit and fishing rights, and it remains to be seen how the 10th proposals will be accepted.
Mr Macron emphasized that talking about Europe’s future priorities was in stark contrast to the behavior of Russia, which had demonstrated its military prowess in Moscow on the same day in honor of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“We gave two very different images on May 9,” Macron said.
“On the one hand, there was a desire for a show of strength and intimidation and a decisive military speech, and here there was … an association of citizens and parliamentarians – national and European – for a project for our future.”
President Vladimir Zelensky said earlier that he wanted Ukraine to join the EU, but only last month called on European leaders to prove their commitment to the country as they fight Russian aggression.
He said: “The European Union will be much stronger with us, that’s for sure. “Without you, Ukraine will be lonely,” he said.
“Prove that you are with us. Prove that you will not let us go. Prove that you are truly European and then life will defeat death and light will defeat darkness. Glory to Ukraine. ”
Additional reporting by agencies
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