German CDU party: opening EU path to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia “in Germany’s interest”

Krichbaum also spoke of the expectations from aspiring member states, noting the requirements for them to adhere to EU decisions and principles. Photo: Reuters

Agenda.ge, 13 Jun 2022 - 13:47, Tbilisi,Georgia

Gunther Krichbaum, an MP from the Christian Democratic Union in the Bundestag, on Monday said it was “in Germany’s interest” to “open a path” to the European Union for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

Speaking on behalf of his party, he also called on the German Government to work within the framework of the EU accession process to ensure “new opportunities” for participation in joint programmes - such as those in the area of common foreign, security and defence policy - were “opened up” for the candidate countries before their full membership.

Since the process leading to [EU] membership is often long, we call for the creation of a new model that enables candidates to be closely linked to the European Union even before full membership”, the German MP explained.

Krichbaum also spoke of the expectations from aspiring member states, noting the requirements for them to adhere to EU decisions and principles.

The candidate countries must continue to be consistently asked to meet the criteria for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as well as to step up the fight against corruption. They would also have to immediately implement the EU decisions on the common foreign and security policy”, Krichbaum said.