The processes within the Ukrainian government were not always pleasant for the EU, but the large-scale war changed everything. Ukraine was finally granted candidate status, failing to seek it for years.

But does this mean that the turbulent period in Ukraine-EU relations is already over?

The EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Matti Maasikas, warns that on the very first day after victory, the Ukrainian authorities will have to make difficult decisions. However, he is confident that in the end, Ukraine will still become a EU member. He shared these views in an interview with the European Pravda editor, Sergiy Sydorenko, right before the end of his four-year mission in Ukraine.

We've published the original video without translation.You can read it in the article EU Ambassador: Corruption in Ukraine Became Unpatriotic in Times of War.

You can read briefly what Matti Maasikas discussed:

- Will Ukraine join the EU?

- Of course! 100%.

- When will this happen?

- I am not able to give you a date.

- President Michel also mentioned a year in that speech: 2030. Is that the year when the EU is supposed to enlarge?

- It could be.

If you recall it, President Michel was talking about both, the future member states and the EU itself to be ready for enlargement by that date.

However, it's actually quite good that you set goals for yourself, some dates.

- What gives you confidence that Ukraine will be in the EU? We see Hungary's actions, hear Austria's ideas, have a dispute with Poland. It doesn't seem like everyone is waiting for us in the EU.

- Because the EU has risen to the occasion. It's not just Ukraine and the Ukrainian people who surprised everyone by being ready to fight against this terrible aggression. But the EU has also grown during this time.

The second element is the persistent and strong support that the EU gives to Ukraine

The Eurobarometer survey from the spring of 2023 showed that nearly 70% of people support their government's policy and the EU's policy towards Ukraine. This is more than a year after the start of the full-scale invasion!

There were many fears about the 'Ukraine fatigue' not only in Kyiv, but the support of EU citizens is rock solid.

- In 2019, in our first interview, we discussed the so-called turbo regime. How do you see it now? Did it work back then?

- The term "turbo regime" is not used anymore, but some things are still similar to it now. For example, the implementation of the EU seven recommendations were done at a high speed.

Or how you prepared responses to the European Commission's questionnaire.

- To start accession negotiations, Ukraine must fulfill seven EU recommendations. Where are we now in their implementation? And what are our most urgent tasks?

- President Zelenskyy did my job, answering this question. The President addressed the political class, the Verkhovna Rada members, asking for three laws necessary to fulfill the seven EU recommendations: the restoration of asset declaration, a redefinition of politically exposed persons, and a law on education.

I am convinced, my colleagues in Brussels, will be able to positively assess Ukraine's compliance with the seven recommendations and recommend that EU member states start negotiations with Ukraine.

- We cannot bypass the issue of the war. You know for sure that Ukraine will win.

- 100%.

Read the full interview in the article EU Ambassador: Corruption in Ukraine Became Unpatriotic in Times of War.