Baltic Rim Economies: Ukraine is on its way to the EU
Two years
ago, on the 24th of February, Russia began an attack on Ukraine. Since
then, the situation hasn’t improved, and people continue to suffer every day.
The war in Ukraine has united Europe, and now Ukraine is on its way to becoming
a part of the European Union. West is more united than ever. This year’s first
issue of Baltic Rim Economies focused on Ukraine’s integration to west.
The European mentality
According to Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš, Ukraine is moving towards the EU. Ten years ago, Ukrainians took the streets in protesting the decision to abandon the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. This demonstrated to Europe and the rest of the world how Ukrainians see themselves – as Europeans.
The reality
of EU enlargement is not simple. A country that decides to join must
demonstrate its readiness to accept and its capacity to implement the values,
norms, and standards of the European Union. Year 2024 will be important for
Ukraine as it moves closer to the EU. This enlargement will shape Europe’s
future. Kariņš reminds
that this is not only for us or for the providers of the EU but also for the future
generations.
Krišjānis Kariņš: Ukraine forging its future towards the EU
What the EU will get?
Andrius Kibilius, former Prime Minister of Lithuania, ponders the benefits of Ukraine’s EU membership in his article. Starting the negotiations is a big step. The EU has been tired of enlargement. As evidence, negotiations with Central Europe and the Baltics in the 90s took 3-4 years, while with Western Balkan countries, it has been nearly 20 years with little progress. The EU must rekindle its “hunger for enlargement”. If Europe wishes to maintain peace, two conditions must be met: a) EU has the political will to provide sufficient military support to Ukraine, b) EU has political will to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member by 2030.
There are three reasons why EU should consider Ukraine’s membership. Firstly, it is the only way to bolster Ukraine’s economy, as evidenced by the economic success of Central Europe and the Baltic countries. Secondly, it would eliminate security grey areas on the European continent; Ukraine has long existed in a security grey area. Thirdly, it serves as an inspiration for change in the wider post-Soviet East, as European rule of law gradually extends to eastern regions.
However, to
achieve this, the EU must exert effort to establish a plan for Ukraine’s
accession to the EU.
Andrius Kubilius: Why is Ukraine's membership needed for the EU itself?
Ukraine’s European integration path
Valentyn Nalyvaichenko writes how Ukraine has chosen a path of European integration. The ongoing war has united the EU itself. Ukraine’s membership in the EU will not be realistic in anytime soon; it will take at least several years. Joining requires significant effort from Ukraine, but it also gives the country the opportunity to improve itself.
Negotiations between the EU and Ukraine began on December 14, 2023. The EU made a decision to start negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. There is a project called “Ukraine Facility,” which means that the European Union plans to provide 50 million euros over the next four years to support reforms in Ukraine, such as combating corruption, improving the judiciary, and developing healthcare and education. A united Europe is a place for Ukrainians too.
Valentyn Nalyvaichenko: Victory of the European idea: Ukraine on the way to the EU
Trust needs to be mutual
The second biggest enemy of Ukrainian society, after Russia, is corruption, according to Antti Hartikainen. It’s a key problem related to reforms in Ukraine, and judiciary has so far been the weakest link in the fight against it. However, ongoing reforms of the judiciary are underway, and their success is a prerequisite for the success of other government reforms.
Ukraine’s
politicians and agency management are professional, youthful, and capable
individuals. From management perspective, Ukraine’s chances of success in
reforms are excellent. The relationship between Ukraine and EU must be based on
mutual development and trust. The author emphasizes the importance of
understanding the impact of leadership appointments or organizational reforms
on the functioning of society, as well as assessing the implementation and
impact of new legislation. Reliable answers to these questions are needed.
Antti Hartikainen: EU integration of Ukraine: Indicators and their further development
See all articles of Baltic Rim Economies 1/2024
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