The European Union has launched membership talks with Ukraine, a decade after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a move that has set the two neighbors on a path to war. The talks were initiated during an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg, where Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal described it as “a historic day” and a “new chapter” in his country’s ties with the bloc. Shmyhal also acknowledged that there is still much work ahead, but expressed Ukraine’s readiness to move swiftly and achieve the impossible.
The EU’s decision to launch talks with Ukraine is a significant milestone in Ukraine’s European path, despite the ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna, who led the delegation, expressed the hope that the talks will give Ukrainians the moral power to continue withstanding the Russian invasion. EU leaders condemned Russia’s “unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression” and pledged to support Ukraine in the war “for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed”.
Ukraine’s membership talks are set to take years to conclude, with the country needing to align its laws and standards with those of the 27-nation bloc. This process will involve aligning Ukraine’s laws with those of the EU in 35 policy areas, known as chapters, ranging from the free movement of goods to judicial rights and security. The EU has committed to supporting Ukraine in this process, estimating that it will provide around 100 billion euros in financial support.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal (Via Shmyhal/Twitter)
The launch of talks with Ukraine is a significant show of support for the country and its people, who have been fleeing the war-torn country in large numbers. It is also a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine, following the EU’s decision to impose sanctions on Russia over the annexation of Crimea. The EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is a critical component of its foreign policy, and underscores the bloc’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.
The talks with Ukraine are also significant in the context of the EU’s membership policies, as it marks a major milestone in Ukraine’s European integration. Ukraine’s membership would be a major boost to the bloc, given its strategic location and significant economic potential. However, the process is unlikely to be without its challenges, with hurdles to overcome in terms of institutional and legal reforms, including the fight against corruption.
Despite the challenges ahead, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal remains optimistic about the country’s prospects, stating that Ukraine will “do everything in” to achieve membership. The country’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also celebrated the launch of talks, tweeting that it marks “a historic day” and “a new chapter” in Ukraine’s journey towards the EU.
