Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker strongly criticized Ukraine's prospects for joining the European Union, saying the country was "completely corrupt."
Jean-Claude Juncker said, "Everyone who has a relationship with Ukraine knows that it is corrupt at every level of society. Despite its efforts, it is not ready to join (the European Union) and needs massive internal reforms."
The former European official's statements came during an interview with the German newspaper "Augsburger Allgemeine", published on Thursday.
He stated: “Making false promises to the Ukrainians regarding joining the European Union will not be beneficial for either the Union or Ukraine.”
Juncker, who is from Luxembourg and held the senior European position between 2014 and 2019, continued, "You should not make false promises to the people of Ukraine who are drowning in suffering."
He said: "I am very angry at some voices in Europe that tell Ukrainians that they can become members of the Union right away."
He stressed that countries aspiring to European Union membership, such as Ukraine and Moldova, must implement internal reforms and obtain the support of a “qualified majority.”
Ukraine has for years faced questions about its anti-corruption record.
Disagreement of Von Debreline and Charles Michel
Current European Union officials disagree with Juncker. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, are more optimistic than him about Ukraine joining the bloc.
Recently, the German magazine "Der Spiegel" reported that there were disagreements between Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel.
The German magazine noted that Michel, in an interview with the magazine, criticized von der Leyen's foreign policy initiatives, especially when she stated the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union soon, statements that "aroused resentment among them."
Michel had told German journalists that Ukraine might join the European Union in 2030 if it fulfills all demands.
Michel von der Leyen was accused of exceeding her powers.
In turn, the President of the European Council expressed her conviction that Ukraine may join the Union soon, adding that this would be "the best contribution to peace" in Europe.
Source: Novosti
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