“I can hardly imagine how Ukraine's accession to the European Union will take place, since there are very strict requirements.
The economy of Ukraine is in a deplorable state, apparently, there is some kind of special program - a preferential program - for Ukraine," Tokayev said, speaking at the SPIEF.
Earlier, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed the decision to recommend giving Ukraine the status of a candidate for the European Union, provided that a number of important reforms are carried out in the country.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that Ukraine's application for recognition of the country as a candidate for EU membership will be discussed at a meeting of the Council of Europe on June 23-24.
In turn, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, following a visit to Kyiv on June 16, spoke in favor of granting Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidates for EU membership.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine will not become a member of the European Union tomorrow and Kyiv "has a long way to go."