It is a historic decision – for the EU and Ukraine: the war-torn country is now officially running for EU membership. But it might be a long way.
Russia-attacked Ukraine and its smaller neighbor Moldova are officially EU accession candidates. This was decided by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the other 26 heads of state and government of the European Union at the EU summit in Brussels.
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Georgia could soon follow once they meet certain reforms. Council President Charles Michel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj spoke of a “historic moment”. Selenskyj was connected live to the summit after the decision. “The future of Ukraine lies in the EU,” he wrote on Twitter.
Macron: “Political gesture”
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of a “political gesture”. Chancellor Scholz wrote on Twitter: “27 times yes!” He added: “To good cooperation in the European family!”
A total of seven countries are now candidates for EU membership. In addition to Ukraine and Moldova, these are Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Turkey. In the case of Turkey, however, the negotiations are on hold. In addition to Bosnia and Georgia, Kosovo is also a potential candidate for accession. The Balkan countries were given the prospect of joining the EU 19 years ago. Turkey has been a candidate for accession for the longest time: almost 23 years.
Von der Leyen called the decision a sign of hope for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. “Today is a good day for Europe,” she said. “I am convinced that the decision we made today strengthens us all.”
No guarantee for speedy admission
With the unanimous decision of the 27 member states, the EU recognizes the efforts of the states to gain accession prospects and wants to encourage them to continue on the path with determination. In view of the Russian war against his country, Selenskyj in particular had recently repeatedly demanded such a message from the EU – also to show the more than 40 million citizens of his country that the fight for freedom and democracy is worthwhile.
According to a recommendation by the EU Commission, EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova should only begin once they have fulfilled further reform requirements. It is about judicial reforms and a stronger fight against corruption. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal announced: “We are full of energy to go the way to membership as quickly as possible.”
Balkan states frustrated – hope for Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Western Balkan states, which are also hoping to join the EU, are becoming increasingly frustrated. EU country Bulgaria has blocked accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania for more than a year because North Macedonia refuses to respond to demands on minorities, history and language. Attempts to solve the blockade in time for a Western Balkans meeting organized on the fringes of the EU summit failed.
However, Bosnia-Herzegovina can hope to be included in the list of candidate countries soon. According to EU Council President Charles Michel, the EU Commission should quickly present a new report on the country’s reform efforts. The EU states would then be ready to make a decision on the accession candidate status for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which has around 3.3 million inhabitants, the Belgian explained on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels.
Austria in particular had previously urged that Bosnia-Herzegovina also be officially made a candidate for EU membership. “The paradigm shift was that Bosnia came back into focus,” emphasized Nehammer after the summit. «We must not forget the Balkans. It is important to take care of Bosnia-Herzegovina.”
Skyrocketing energy prices was the topic at the end of the summit
The meeting in Brussels ends today with a euro summit, which will deal with high inflation and exploding energy prices, among other things. The topic is also of great concern to the heads of state and government because the citizens are directly affected by it.
The possibility of a price cap for gas, which Italy, among others, is campaigning for, should also come up again. In addition, discussions are to be held on how to deal with the results of the one-year citizens’ dialogue on the future of the EU.
Source: Stern
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