Ukraine to be EU member, this only has to be institutionalized - Borrell

MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax) - Ukraine will certainly be a European Union member one day, and the process only has to be institutionalized, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell said.

Ukraine belongs to the EU family and will certainly become an EU member, Ukraine's future is in the EU, and this will require some amendments to the procedures, which would change Europe's size and diversity, Ukrainian media said referring to Borrell's remarks at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.

Once Ukraine becomes an EU member, a number of Balkan countries would wish to be treated the same way, and therefore, the primary objective is to change the mode of work, he said.

At the same time, Borrell pointed out that, even before the crisis, Ukraine had numerous problems, and the EU supported the country by investing in its political and economic development.

Borrell said he was sure that Ukraine would do its reforms quickly, and the EU should support it in that. The European Commission is working at a "speed never seen before," he said.

"Ukraine is a member of the European Union, European family, European culture, civilization, way of living. And this has to be institutionalized. They have to do their homework. We have to accompany them. And we have to prepare to receive Ukraine," he said.

President of the European Council Charles Michel said earlier that Ukraine should not expect a fast-track admission to the EU but has to complete all preparatory stages to meet the EU's requirements and criteria.