Head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, said that the new European Commission would work on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

“We want Ukraine as part of the European Union. So, we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” von der Leyen said while presenting candidates for EC membership for final approval at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Von der Leyen promised that the EC would help Ukraine, Moldova, and the countries of the Western Balkans prepare for EU accession and carry out the necessary reforms.

“Europe's commitment to these countries will always be stronger. (…) And we will support these countries every step of the way on their merits-based process until they are ready to join our Union,” the head of the European Commission stated.

At the same time, von der Leyen recalled that Slovenian Marta Kos will be responsible for the expansion of the European Union in the new European Commission.