France has said Ukraine’s passage to join the European Union could take years to complete, reiterating its position that the country won"t be fast-tracked into the bloc despite widespread support among leaders for its efforts to join, writes CNN.

Ukraine will have to comply with strict rules as with any applicant, a French minister said, ahead of a Brussels summit in which leaders will discuss Ukraine’s candidacy.

“There is no expedited procedure, there is no King’s Pass”, - French Minister Delegate for Europe Clément Beaune said in an interview with French radio Europe 1, using a term for preferential treatment.

“They need to finish the war first, to rebuild the country, to meet all the democratic and economic requirements. This will take time. But we are giving this signal of openness”, - Beaune added.