The politician expressed confidence that a solution would be found to balance the interests of both current EU members and new countries joining the union.
"The interests of both current EU members and new entrants must be balanced. Ukraine is simply too important for us," emphasized Hübner, the professor of economics.
Discussing the challenges of EU enlargement to include Ukraine, she pointed out that Ukraine remains significantly poorer than Poland was when it joined the EU, with its per capita income fluctuating between 20 to 23 percent of the EU average.
The former EU commissioner also referred to concerns regarding Ukrainian agriculture, comparing them to the fears France had about Polish farmers two decades ago.
"Today, Polish farmers and truck drivers are defending themselves against competition from Ukraine," Hübner remarked, acknowledging the need for careful planning when dealing with the impact of large Ukrainian agricultural enterprises on EU policies.
According to Prof. Hübner, these large enterprises must be treated differently from smaller farms within the EU.
The economist also referred to Enrico Letta's proposal for a solidarity fund to support sectors and countries affected by EU enlargement, reaffirming her belief that the Union will find a way to balance the interests of both existing and new members.
Danuta Hübner emphasized that the EU's goal should be to show Putin what the priority order in Europe is.
Source: DW
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