Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin supports Ukraine's efforts to join the European Union, AP reported.

“I strongly support Ukraine’s application for membership,” Martin told EU lawmakers at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, France.

He added he looks forward to the European Commission’s opinion that will evaluate what criteria Ukraine has to meet to join the bloc.

The European Commission is preparing an opinion on Ukraine's accession request. In recent years, the EC has repeatedly expressed concern about corruption in Ukraine and the need for deep political and economic reforms. Some EU leaders are wary of opening the door to Ukraine.

Martin said the EU should support those who want to join in making the necessary reforms and preparations.  He said Ireland's experience shows that EU membership is "transformative."

But other European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, oppose accelerated Ukrainian membership, saying it would lower standards and be unfair to other previous candidates.