PARIS, March 11 (TASS) - The process of considering Ukraine’s EU membership bid may take months or even years, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters after the first day of the unofficial EU summit in France’s Versailles.

"We all are aware of the incredibly difficult situation, in which Ukraine has found itself amid the Russian attack, and we are shocked by what is happening," he said.

"At present, Ukraine’s bid for permanent EU membership is at the stage of consideration, and it was handed over to the European Commission. But months or even years will pass before the decision is made," the Dutch premier added.