Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko believes that Ukraine's possible accession to the European Union will benefit Europe because the future of Europe is inseparably linked with the future of Ukraine.
It does not matter how many difficulties Ukraine may still encounter if Europe stands by Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, dignity, democracy and life without fear, Poroshenko said at the Europe Institute at the University of Zurich, according to the Ukrainian leader’s press service.
In this case, Europe will also have a safer and brighter future, he added.
Poroshenko called on the whole of Europe to unite because, he said, only by acting jointly, democratic nations would succeed in defending freedom for the current and coming generations, who would be able to live without fear and without threats of terrorism and would be able to build a common future.
Ukraine should become a full-fledged member of the “European family of nations” because it is already a historical, spiritual and intellectual element of Europe, the president said.
Ukraine has already become a new symbol of Europe and its defender, he said.
The tolerance, commitment and support demonstrated by the Ukrainians, who often speak different languages and belong to different faiths, may prove to be useful in Europe, which has encountered new challenges, Poroshenko said.
During his speech in Zurich, Poroshenko also presented Ukraine’s program of reforms, reaffirming his country’s plans to achieve European standards and apply for membership of the EU in five years, the press service said.
