The EU Commission’s proposal to grant Ukraine membership is a significant step in Ukraine-EU relations. However, years of work lie ahead, which could end in disappointment, writes EU correspondent Rikhard Husu.
BRUSSELS President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyenin the blue-yellow outfit left no room for speculation at a press conference in Brussels. The road to Ukraine’s EU membership is open from the Commission’s point of view.
Mr von der Leyen emphasized the positive developments in Ukraine in recent years. Public administration, civil society, the conduct of elections, the school system and economic development were among the rumors.
Above all, the message conveyed Europe’s moral obligation to support Ukrainians who, in von der Leyen’s words, are “ready to die for a European perspective.”
However, the path to membership is a project of years or rather decades. There are three key points along the way to membership.
1. The Russian invasion
The far-reaching debate on Ukraine’s EU membership is theoretical as long as the war in the country continues.
The offer of membership is an indication of the moral support given to Ukraine. As a candidate country, Ukraine is also eligible for financial assistance from the EU’s pre-accession instruments.
First, however, Ukraine must be able to repel the Russian invasion. The membership perspective does not eliminate the need for acute arms assistance and other financial support.
2. EU member states
Enlargement has traditionally created friction between Member States. Ukraine is no exception in this regard.
There has been widespread talk in the EU about the fatigue following enlargement to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. This is due to the twists and turns of the rule of law with Poland and Hungary, among others.
Even if a large majority of member states seem to be leaning towards the candidacy, there will still be some excitement at next week’s summit: whether Ukraine’s candidacy is valid for all EU countries.
Unanimity is required throughout the membership process. Countries that are more wary of Ukraine’s membership know that the process can be slowed down at a later stage, if necessary.
3. Ukraine itself
Despite the comments that exude solidarity, Ukraine’s path to EU membership is anything but unhindered. According to the Commission, before the actual negotiations, Ukraine needs to commit itself to strengthening the judiciary and eradicating corruption and money laundering.
The Commission also calls for measures to limit the influence of the oligarchs and for the adoption of laws to improve the rights of minorities.
The Commission emphasizes that the further processing of applications for membership is based on the merits of the applicants. If the positive development in Ukraine weakens, the progress of the application at EU level may be delayed or stopped altogether.