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EU summit to look at changes the bloc needs to make to welcome Ukraine, others as new members

by Madison Thomas
4 comments
EU Expansion Dilemma

The European Union is facing a challenging task a day after expressing unwavering support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The central issue is determining the process and timeline for admitting Ukraine, a nation burdened with debt and the scars of conflict, into the EU.

Since the outset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the 27-member EU has committed to working towards “lasting unity” that would ultimately lead to Ukraine’s membership in the prosperous union. Ukraine, fighting for its very survival, eagerly awaits this moment, but its feasibility remains uncertain for the EU.

On Friday, during their informal summit in Granada, southern Spain, EU leaders will deliberate on the matter of “enlargement,” a term used to describe the expansion of the EU. Beyond Ukraine, several Western Balkan nations and Moldova are also pressing for admission with growing impatience.

In his summit invitation letter, EU Council President Charles Michel posed critical questions to the leaders: “What do we do together? How do we decide? How do we match our means with our ambitions?” These questions highlight the difficulties faced by current EU members, particularly given the outdated rules designed for a tightly-knit group of nations. The concept of unanimous decision-making and veto rights, while once feasible, now encounters resistance, especially with the prospect of incorporating several economically disadvantaged nations.

Michel envisions welcoming new member countries by 2030, a sentiment echoed by the presidents of Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, who assert that enlargement should occur “not later than 2030.” However, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes that accession should be based on merit. The progress made by these countries in aligning their laws with EU standards should dictate their path to membership, rather than adhering to a fixed deadline, as aligning with thousands of EU rules can be a lengthy bureaucratic process.

Ukraine and Moldova were granted EU candidate status earlier this year, a relatively swift decision for the EU given its typically cautious approach to expansion, driven by the conflict in Ukraine. Concurrently, the EU leaders recognized a “European perspective” for another former Soviet republic, Georgia.

Serbia and Montenegro were the first Western Balkan countries to initiate membership negotiations, followed by Albania and Macedonia in the previous year. Bosnia and Kosovo are in the initial stages of the integration process. EU officials are concerned that Russia could attempt to destabilize the Balkans, diverting global attention from its aggression in Ukraine. Despite Belgrade’s stance of respecting Ukrainian territorial integrity, Serbia, Russia’s Balkan ally, has refrained from joining EU sanctions against Moscow.

A significant milestone is approaching for Ukraine, as EU nations will decide in December whether to initiate full accession talks. This decision will shape the future of Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EU Expansion Dilemma

What is the main topic of the EU summit mentioned in the text?

The main topic of the EU summit is the consideration of admitting Ukraine into the European Union and the associated challenges and decisions.

Why is Ukraine’s potential membership in the EU significant?

Ukraine’s potential membership in the EU is significant because it represents a commitment by the EU to support Ukraine and promote unity after Russia’s invasion in 2022. It also has economic and geopolitical implications for both Ukraine and the EU.

What other countries besides Ukraine are mentioned in the text in relation to EU enlargement?

The text mentions several Western Balkan nations, including Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, along with Moldova, which are all seeking admission to the EU.

What are some of the challenges faced by the EU in considering new member countries?

The EU faces challenges in determining the process and timeline for admitting new member countries, especially those that are economically less developed. There are debates over whether the accession should be based on merit or adhere to specific deadlines, among other issues.

What is the significance of the December date mentioned in the text?

In December, EU nations will decide whether to open full-on accession talks with Ukraine, a critical decision that will shape the future of Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union.

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4 comments

EUBizInsider October 6, 2023 - 9:26 am

Michel wants ’em in by 2030, but Ursula says, “merit-based.” Decidin’ by December, that’s the date! Whew, bureaucracy takin’ time.

Reply
SeriousWriter October 6, 2023 - 4:31 pm

So, EU leaders ponderin’ how to admit Ukraine. Tough stuff, huh? And, other countries too, Moldova, Balkans… what to do? It’s a mess.

Reply
GeopoliticsExpert October 6, 2023 - 6:41 pm

Watch out for Russia messin’ with Balkans. Serbia’s not playin’ nice. EU’s got a lot on its plate with Ukraine and the others.

Reply
Journalist123 October 6, 2023 - 8:41 pm

EU summit discussin’ Ukraine membership, big deal. Russia’s war makin’ things messy. Got Balkan nations knockin’ too, impatient like.

Reply

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