Czech PM backs Ukraine’s efforts to join EU

The Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala, says he supports Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union. Speaking on Monday, he said it was necessary to make clear that the country was welcome in the European community of democratic states.

Mr. Fiala made the comments hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Ukraine to be immediately admitted to the EU under a special fast-track procedure.

The Czech leader said he was in favour of standard procedures but this was not a standard situation.