Greece and Cyprus would object to any proposal suggesting fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the EU, Euractiv reported on Friday, citing anonymous diplomats.
A source from the Greek Foreign Ministry told the outlet that Athens would insist on all the procedures stipulated under Article 49 of the EU Treaty being adhered to should Ukraine be granted candidate status next month. Greece reportedly had no issue in principle with giving Kiev such status but would want to acquaint itself with the European Commission’s proposal first.
Nicosia, which traditionally maintains very close relations with Greece, also wished to see the Commission’s proposal before being able to answer definitively, unnamed Cypriot government officials told Euractiv. Just like Greece, however, Cyprus would be opposed to giving Ukraine any shortcuts to EU membership, the sources indicated.