Ukraine’s rapid progress on European Union membership path, says delegation head
The decision to initiate accession talks with the European Union this week marks a significant milestone for Ukraine, according to Olga Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration. “This is the utmost will of the Ukrainian people. And this is the irreversibility. And you’ve seen Ukrainians stand up for their choice,” Stefanishyna stated in an interview in Kyiv on Sunday.
EU member countries agreed on Friday to commence entry talks with Ukraine and Moldova, overcoming strong opposition from Hungary, which will assume the EU’s rotating presidency on July 1. While the accession process varies for each country and can take years – as evidenced by Turkey’s two-decade-long wait – the start of talks is seen as a “historic step” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine’s Commitment to the Accession Process
Stefanishyna emphasized that Ukraine is committed to moving through the accession process swiftly and thoroughly, without seeking any special treatment or shortcuts. “Ukraine is moving fast,” she said, “without skipping any elements of the process and without asking for any discount.”
The drive for EU membership has been a long-standing aspiration for many Ukrainians, symbolizing a return to Europe. “Generations of our people are realising their European dream,” Zelenskyy noted in an online post, reflecting on the importance of Friday’s decision.
Despite broad support for Ukraine’s membership bid among EU citizens, there is less enthusiasm for fast-tracking the process, according to a survey by the European Parliament earlier this year.
The Ongoing Conflict and Ukraine’s Determination
Ukraine’s pursuit of EU membership has been fraught with challenges, including economic pressure and military aggression from Russia. The country has been steadfast in its European ambitions, even as the war rages on. Deadly protests a decade ago, demanding closer ties with the EU, set Ukraine on a collision course with Russia.
“It’s a big day for everybody,” Stefanishyna said, frequently displaying emotion as she described the integration process. “It has been around two years since Ukraine applied for membership. The war is still raging on, but the accession is starting right now.”
Stefanishyna will lead the opening of accession talks in Luxembourg on Tuesday, joined by several top government officials. While President Zelenskyy is expected to give a speech at the launch ceremony, it remains unclear if he will do so in person or online.
In summary, Ukraine’s path to EU membership is progressing rapidly, driven by the determination of its people and leadership. Despite challenges and ongoing conflict, the initiation of accession talks represents a historic and hopeful step towards fulfilling Ukraine’s European aspirations.