European Council President Antonio Costa has recently emphasized the immense positive impact of the accession of Ukraine to the European Union. Other countries that are pushing for Schengen accession include Romania and Bulgaria.
During Costa’s recent visit to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, he spoke about how the country’s accession would benefit the EU. Specifically, it would be advantageous for the EU in terms of agriculture, defense, energy, natural resources, and new technologies. As a vast market with an abundance of these resources, Ukraine could help diversify the EU’s supply chains.
Positive impact of Ukraine EU integration
Ukraine’s integration into the EU would lead to increased trade, new investments, and opportunities for European businesses. Additionally, Ukraine’s access to the single market would unlock potential for innovation and economic growth.
In addition, as Costa met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he noted that Ukraine is a part of the European family. Furthermore, he said that the EU bloc is anticipating the country joining as an EU member nation.
“Your progress so far has been impressive,” Costa told Zelenskyy. “Ukrainians are writing a new playbook on how to undertake deep reforms while fighting a war for national survival.”
Moreover, Costa confirmed the EU would work with Ukraine to open at least two clusters of accession in 2025.
“We will stand with you for as long as necessary and whatever it takes. We stand firmly on the side of your right to self-defense, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Costa added.
Ukraine and its EU Association Agreement
Previously, in February 2022, Ukraine filed its application to become a member of the EU. In June 2022, the EU held its first Intergovernmental Conference to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. The negotiations will come at a time when there are concerns about the future competitiveness of the EU.
With their Association Agreement, the EU has specified that Ukraine remains a close partner of the EU. The agreement is a treaty that aims to strengthen economic and political ties between the EU and Ukraine. The two parties came into effect on September 1, 2017.
The Agreement also includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. It is the basis for extensive cooperation between the EU and Ukraine in a broad range of areas. The EU and Ukraine are closely aligned on foreign and security policy, and the EU encourages Ukraine to continue its positive trend towards full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Preparing for accession negotiations
The European Union has invited the European Commission to continuously review Ukraine’s readiness for accession negotiations. Part of this process is identifying any challenges, in compliance with the Negotiating Framework.
In preparation, Ukraine must observe and practice the values in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. Specifically, these are respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. These also cover the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
As Ukraine continues its path toward EU membership, it is not only a win for the country but for the entire EU. Ukraine’s integration promises to boost the EU’s economy and strengthen its geopolitical position, particularly amid current global tensions.
Image by freepik
