The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv last Saturday, praising Ukraine for its progress. The European Commission is scheduled to release a report on Wednesday that assesses Ukraine’s progress towards membership. According to EU officials, the Commission is expected to recommend taking Ukraine one step closer to becoming a member.
This report and recommendation will play a critical role in the crucial decision of the EU Council in December on whether to initiate formal membership negotiations with Kyiv. Although such talks take years before candidates meet extensive legal and economic criteria to join, the Russian invasion, as well as its aggressive policy towards Moldova and Georgia, have forced the EU to accelerate the procedures.
However, it should be noted that Ukraine is a country at war, which remains a significant concern. The only precedent for a country in conflict to join the EU is Cyprus, a country whose considerable part has been occupied by Turkey since 1974.
EU membership a priority for Ukraine
“When we begin negotiations on Ukraine’s membership – I strongly believe in this – it will signify several crucial things. First, there will no longer be gray geopolitical zones in Europe. Second, we will provide a new foundation for the growth of both Ukraine and all European countries. Third, we guarantee real economic and social security for our state and the Ukrainian people. Security that aligns with our values – values of Europeans,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with the President of the European Commission.
During a recent statement, Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is not seeking any discounts in its efforts to join the EU. He also mentioned that the country is implementing all of the recommendations presented by the European Commission. Despite being in the midst of a war, Ukraine remains committed to implementing reforms.
“We have fulfilled the recommendations required for opening accession talks. We have made progress in the rule of law, the protection of human rights and freedom for national communities, the increased transparency of state institutions, and the strengthening of the state, the anti-corruption system,” the Ukrainian President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised that a draft law on Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecution, which will provide more opportunities for the anti-corruption system to work effectively, has already been registered in parliament.
Furthermore, a lobbying law is being prepared, which aims to increase transparency in political processes and safeguard the state from the damaging influence of oligarchs and other individuals who seek to bypass the rule of law. Additionally, work is ongoing to develop digital public services and digitise the functioning of state institutions.
“Ukraine will be fully prepared both for the start of EU accession talks and, later, full-fledged EU membership,” Zelenskyy said.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine has made significant progress towards EU membership.
“You have reached many milestones: reforming your justice system, curbing the oligarchs’ grip, tackling money laundering – and much more. This is the result of hard work. I know that you are in the process of completing outstanding reforms. If this happens, and I am confident, Ukraine can reach its ambitious goal of moving to the next stage in the accession process.”
Significant economic reforms
Ursula von der Leyen recognised Ukraine’s progress in economic modernisation and reconstruction. She highlighted that the European Commission plans to allocate an additional EUR 50 billion to Ukraine until 2027.
She also stressed the importance of the Solidarity Lanes initiative that facilitates the export of agricultural products from Ukraine. Additionally, she praised Ukraine’s efforts in restoring navigation in the Black Sea.
“One good example of our work on keeping the economy running are the solidarity lanes. They have so far allowed Ukraine to export over 100 million tonnes of goods. More than half of these 100 million tonnes of goods are agri-food products. So, Ukraine is feeding the world in these times of scarcity. And, of course, in addition, the solidarity lanes bring much needed revenues back to Ukraine. In the last 16 months – this is the time frame since when we have had the solidarity lanes –, this has already brought revenues of EUR 42 billion back to Ukraine. In this context, I would like to commend Ukraine on its efforts to re-establish navigation on the Black Sea. More grain can leave Ukraine from these two routes. But nevertheless, we need the solidarity lanes. Around 65% of Ukrainian agri-food products leave the country via these solidarity lanes. This is also why we are heavily investing in reinforcing these lanes – this is rail, road, and border crossings.”
More sanctions and the use of Russian assets
Ukraine eagerly awaits the implementation of a new EU sanctions package against Russia. The new package will make it difficult for Russia to bypass current restrictions, mainly through European companies and the territories of Russia’s neighbouring states.
The President of the European Commission emphasised the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia. She said the EU would soon adopt the 12th sanctions package.
“We will continue to make Russia pay for its war of aggression. Our existing sanctions have deeply affected the Russian economy. Very soon, we will propose to Member States our 12th package of sanctions. There will be new listings to hold accountable those who are involved in the military invasion and occupation of the country, but also those who are involved in the brutal abduction of children and those who are involved in fake news and propaganda,” underlined Ursula von der Leyen.
“Furthermore, the sanctions package will include new import and export bans, and it includes actions to tighten the oil price cap. Finally, we will further crack down on sanctions circumvention. In all these topics, we are very closely coordinating with our G7 partners. Overall, Russia has to pay a price for the devastation and destruction it has caused.”
Zelensky emphasised the need to redirect earnings from Russian assets in Europe and worldwide towards compensating for the damage caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“In this context, there is another example; this is the topic of the proceeds of the EUR 200 billion of immobilised Russian sovereign assets in Europe. The proceeds are accumulating every day. We believe that these profits should go in rebuilding Ukraine. And this is why the Commission will now come very soon with a proposal that allows this to happen,” said the President of the European Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged the importance of the third meeting of advisors to state leaders in Malta, which was centred on the Ukrainian Peace Formula. She emphasised support for Ukraine’s quest for a fair and long-lasting peace.
