Ukraine to Launch EU Membership Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia

Strategic Insights -

The European Union has officially accepted Ukraine's request for membership talks, a significant step towards potential EU membership after over two years of conflict with Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna led Ukraine's delegation at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg, marking the beginning of the accession process. This development comes as a show of solidarity with Ukraine, following billions of euros in financial support provided by the EU. Meanwhile, neighboring Moldova, which also applied for EU membership, began its own accession process, demonstrating the EU's commitment to supporting countries affected by Russia's aggression.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukraine is set to officially launch membership talks with the European Union, a significant step towards potential EU membership.
  • The talks will align Ukraine's laws and standards with those of the 27-nation bloc in 35 policy areas, known as chapters.
  • Candidate countries must receive unanimous agreement from all 27 member countries to open or close chapters, which may lead to delays in proceedings.
  • Ukraine would become the largest member of the bloc, surpassing France, if it joins the EU.
  • Moldova, which was granted candidate status in 2022, is also participating in the accession process, demonstrating the EU's commitment to supporting countries affected by Russia's aggression.
  • Turkey's accession talks have lasted almost two decades without any result, highlighting the complexity and challenges of the accession process.
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the EU membership talks as a "dream come true" for Ukraine's citizens.

Statistics:

  • Ukraine has applied for EU membership after over two years of conflict with Russia.
  • EU leaders granted Ukraine candidate status in June 2022.
  • Moldova was granted candidate status in 2022, four months after applying for membership.
  • Ukraine would become the largest member of the bloc, surpassing France, if it joins the EU.
  • Candidate countries must bring their laws and standards into line with those of the EU in 35 policy areas, known as chapters.

Sources:

  • Ukraine is set to officially launch membership talks with the European Union in what President Volodymyr Zelensky has described as a dream come true for his country's citizens more than two years into a war with Russia. (BBC, [no date])
  • Moldova, which applied to join the EU after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and was granted candidate status four months later, will also take part in a separate intergovernmental conference to officially launch its own accession process. (BBC, [no date])
  • Candidate countries must bring their laws and standards into line with those of the EU in 35 policy areas, known as chapters, ranging from the free movement of goods through to fisheries, taxation, energy and the environment to judicial rights and security. (BBC, [no date])
  • Ukraine, too, sought candidate status in the days after Russia invaded. By June 2022, EU leaders had quickly made it official. But things have moved more slowly since then and membership, if it comes, might be years away. (BBC, [no date])