Ukraine is aiming to become a member of the European Union (EU) within the next two years, according to Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina. She believes that Ukraine is one of the most prepared nations for EU accession and is committed to doing even more to achieve this goal once the conflict with Russia is resolved. However, the timeline for Ukraine’s EU membership will ultimately depend on the progression of the war.
Stefanishina highlighted Ukraine’s economic ties with the EU as a strong indicator of its readiness for membership. Despite the ongoing armed conflict, Ukraine remains one of the EU’s top 20 import partners, and its domestic market is the largest in Europe. However, she acknowledged that Ukraine’s economic role within the EU would primarily be in the agricultural sector, as the country has extensive agricultural lands.
While Ukraine is eager to join the EU, the bloc itself has been cautious about fast-tracking membership. EU officials have emphasized the need for Ukraine to address issues such as corruption and implement comprehensive legal reforms before progressing towards accession. France has previously stated that the process could take several years.
Austria’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, has expressed concerns about rushing Ukraine’s accession, warning that it could be a “geostrategic disaster.” He argued that it would create an imbalance within the EU, suggesting that some nations would be considered more equal than others. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has also voiced his opinion, suggesting that Ukraine’s entry into both the EU and NATO would greatly enhance the influence of the United States over the EU.
In addition to its aspirations for EU membership, Ukraine is also considering joining NATO. Stefanishina proposed that Ukraine could become a NATO member even sooner than it joins the EU, as the military alliance would appreciate having a member with one of the strongest armies. However, she acknowledged that NATO membership is a political decision and claimed that this decision was already made at the NATO summit in Vilnius.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about his desire for NATO membership and has criticized the alliance for its perceived indecisiveness in providing a clear roadmap for Ukraine’s accession. This criticism reportedly strained relations with the US, raising concerns that Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO might be revoked. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace also criticized Ukraine for its lack of gratitude towards Western military aid, reminding them that international support is not akin to an online retail platform like Amazon.
In summary, Ukraine is working towards EU membership within the next two years, with Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina expressing confidence in Ukraine’s preparedness for accession. However, the EU has cautioned against rushing the process and emphasized the need for Ukraine to address internal issues first. Alongside its EU ambitions, Ukraine is also considering joining NATO, although the political decision for membership is still pending.
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