Taoiseach urges EU leaders to fast-track Ukraine’s membership

Micheál Martin urges EU leaders to accelerate Ukraine’s membership process, calling it key to future security and peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Taoiseach Micheal Martin during a joint press conference at the Ukrainian Government Building in Kyiv, Ukraine. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called on the European Union to speed up Ukraine's membership process.

Mr Martin said that he would be pushing strongly for its membership to be accelerated when he attends a meeting with other European leaders this afternoon.

Mr Martin and other EU leaders will meet this afternoon to discuss how best to continue supporting Ukraine and ensure a sustainable and durable peace that is in keeping with the principles of the UN Charter.

"I will argue that an important way for the EU to help guarantee Ukraine’s future security is to accelerate the process of joining the EU," Mr Martin said ahead of the virtual meeting, convened by French president Emmanuel Macron.

“Ukraine is part of the European family and has already undertaken many of the reforms necessary for membership in the most difficult of circumstances."

Mr Martin said that Ireland remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and its people three years on from Russia’s illegal invasion.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik raised the issue of the Accommodation Recognition Payment, which is set to end on March 31.

Ms Bacik asked the Taoiseach to commit to retaining the payment at the current level of €800.