The European Union has offered membership to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. There has been conflict between the Ukranian capital, Kyiv, and the Kremlin for over 18 months. The war is now entering its 21st month, and in between wars, the EU has offered Ukraine membership after deciding the final conditions.
The recognition from the European Union is a milestone in integrating Ukraine along Western lines. It also serves as a geopolitical piece since the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The Commission has offered Kyiv membership on the basis that certain conditions have been decided. They include eradicating corruption, adopting EU standards, and safeguarding national minorities.
Zelenskyy states on social media, “This is a strong and historic step that paves the way to a stronger EU with Ukraine as its member."
Regarding Ukraine’s membership, a decision will be reached by mid-December by the 27 members of the EU. The decision requires a unanimous vote, with all members in agreement. However, Hungary appears to be an obstacle in Ukraine’s path to gaining full membership.
If the decision is accepted, the EU and Kyiv will begin negotiations next year. Generally, a country joins the EU based on political, economic, and legal parameters. The member nations have reservations regarding accepting a country engaged in ongoing armed conflict.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, comments that while Ukraine is suffering due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainians are making tremendous efforts to reform the country.
The European Commission’s report indicates that Ukraine has met four of seven pre-existing conditions to join as a new member. Although, it appears that Ukraine will soon fulfil the remaining conditions as well. The Commission will reassess Ukraine’s status in March next year.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is against including Ukraine in the EU, as he believes that Ukraine must change policies regarding minorities, especially education.
Achieving A Monumental Event In History
Being accepted in the European Union is of utmost importance for Ukraine. The country is suffering due to the ongoing war and is doubtful of continued U.S.-backed military support.
Moldova, a small region bordering Ukraine, is also being considered as a potential EU member. Maia Sandu, the Prime Minister of Moldova, states that the country is on its path to becoming an official EU member.
Georgia has also received consideration as a potential EU member. Once the country aligns itself with EU sanctions and opposes the Russian attack on Ukraine, it will receive an official offer.
However, EU officials are unsure of the response from Georgia since the government wishes to work with Moscow, and the public is pro-European.
The EU claims that having Ukraine join the ranks will benefit several geopolitical factors. President von der Leyen states that enlarging the EU will benefit the new members. It also further develops economic and geopolitical spheres.
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