Ukraine would eventually join the European Union, France’s Europe minister said on Tuesday, assuring Kyiv that a plan to strengthen connections between the group and aspiring members would not take the place of their membership bids.

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed the creation of a “European political community,” a new organization that would allow for tighter cooperation with nations pursuing EU membership.

Clement Beaune told reporters, “I am certain that Ukraine will become a member of the European Union.” “We are fully aware that it takes time, and we cannot afford to wait during this period. We must foster European optimism.”

Beaune, who said earlier this week that Ukraine’s accession could take 15-20 years, said the project “was not an alternative.” Speaking alongside Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, he said the next step would be to discuss the initiative’s details with European partners.

In Berlin, incoming Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna echoed Beaune, saying the goal was to augment EU enlargement by providing benefits to non-candidate nations and assistance to those pursuing EU membership.

“For certain partners, more needs to be done, and more quickly. This European political community aspires to strengthen relations with all European countries in our neighborhood as rapidly as possible “she remarked.

Because of the absence of information, some member states have been wary of the effort. Kyiv is also concerned that it might be used as an alternative to membership.

In June, the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, will issue its decision on Ukraine’s candidacy bid, but even if approved, the process will take many years and can be vetoed by a member state.

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