Ukraine wants to join the EU: warning against hasty accession

In view of the Russian war of aggression, no politician is opposed to Ukraine joining the EU. But there are certainly doubts about the high pace – and concerns about unequal treatment of EU aspirants.

The EU Commission has recommended that member states accept Ukraine, along with neighboring Republic of Moldova, as a candidate for EU membership. In the Parliament of the Union, however, there are doubts about the high speed.

Deputy President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley warned against cutting back on the admission criteria. “There must be no hasty accessions. Anyone who is once in the EU cannot be excluded,” warned the SPD politician in the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”. You can currently see that in Hungary, which is systematically undermining the rule of law. “It is all the more important that the criteria laid down for accession, such as institutional stability, a functioning market economy and the rule of law, are fully met.”

Nevertheless, Barley spoke of a correct concession. “Candidate status would be an important signal to Moscow that the EU will not be intimidated when it comes to defending our values,” Barley said. However, the associated requirements should not be interpreted too loosely. This is also important with a view to other accession candidates, some of whom have been waiting for years for their procedures to move forward. “We owe them equal treatment,” stressed Barley.

“A lot of time, a lot of strength and a lot of effort”

The tenor of David McAllister, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, sounds similar. The CDU politician spoke of the beginning of a long process. “Becoming a member of the European Union takes a lot of time, a lot of strength and a lot of effort,” McAllister said Bavarian radio.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rightly put it as a sign of recognition “for the brave people in Ukraine who are not only fighting for their country, but for our European values,” said McAllister. Ukraine must be brought closer to the internal market.

The heads of state and government of the EU countries will discuss Ukraine’s status and the timetable for possible admission next week.

Scholz wants unanimity

Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated a clear European perspective for Ukraine. “Now it’s about connecting solidarity with a perspective, with a prospect,” said Scholz in a video message. During his visit to Kyiv, the Chancellor, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, supported the Ukrainian government’s wish.

“Many are fighting for freedom and democracy in Ukraine, they want to know that this will lead to Europe,” said Scholz in the new format “Kanzler compact”. Therefore he will try to get the necessary unanimity for the candidate status in the European Council on Thursday. Scholz also announced help with the reconstruction of Ukraine and further arms deliveries.