December 06, 2023
Wanted: A reality check on Ukraine’s EU accession
When the European Union’s heads of state and government convene in Brussels on December 14-15, they will debate opening accession negotiations with Ukraine. Despite last-minute objections by Hungary, the European Council appears likely to give Kyiv the green light—if not now, then in the months to come. Such a decision, following the European Commission’s recent recommendation based on Ukraine’s progress toward reforms, would be a welcome signal of the bloc’s willingness to decisively respond to the geopolitical imperative of anchoring Ukraine in the West following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Yet it will nonetheless paper over the monumental elephant in the room: the reality of ongoing brutal fighting in Ukraine with no end in sight.
Instead of offering dubious timelines for full membership based on wishful thinking, Brussels should work to integrate Ukraine as far as is possible under the conditions of conflict
As long as Ukraine remains actively engaged in hostilities with Russia, it will be unable to become a full member of the European Union. The biggest reason for this is the existence of the European Union’s mutual defense clause, which “provides that if a member state is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other member states have an obligation to aid and assist it by all the means in their power.” If fighting continues, therefore, full Ukrainian EU membership would likely require direct intervention by other member states—a nonstarter in virtually every case.
Read the full article from Encompass Europe.
More from CNAS
-
What’s Driving President Trump’s New Confidence in Ukraine’s War Effort
President Trump dramatically declared on social media that he now believes that Ukraine can reclaim all its land from Russia, which he described as a paper tiger. From the Ova...
By Richard Fontaine
-
Moldova Chooses Its Future with William Hill and Laura Thornton
On September 28th, Moldovan voters went to the polls in parliamentary elections to choose between competing visions for their country's future. Despite intense efforts by the ...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
Europe Must Counter Cheap Drones with Cheap Solutions, Ex-NATO Commander Says
NATO must find cheaper ways to counter the growing threat of Russian drone incursions, the former Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, Gen. Philip Breedlove, has said. Speakin...
By General Philip M. Breedlove
-
Expert Explains: Defense Sec. Hegseth Calls Military Meeting in Northern Virginia
Hundreds of U.S. military leaders are headed to northern Virginia on orders from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and...
By Jim Townsend