EU Embraces Ukraine’s Pursuit of Membership, Rejects to Put It on Fast Track

European Council President Charles Michel (L), French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hold a press conference following an EU leaders summit to discuss the fallout of Russia's invasion in Ukraine, at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, on March 11, 2022. Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

The leaders of all 27 European Union (EU) nations voiced support of Ukraine’s pursuit of EU membership but rejected to put it on the fast track.

“We will further strengthen our bonds and deepen our partnership to support Ukraine in pursuing its European path. Ukraine belongs to our European family,” the EU leaders said in a joint statement (pdf) on Friday after a summit at Versailles, France.