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A resolution of the conflict with Russia, which everyone would like to see, but which respects the restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the aggrieved parties, would open a new window of opportunity for Ukraine, making its need to join the European Union even more evident.
After years of conflict, Ukraine would need to strengthen its defences and build peaceful and cooperative relations with its neighbours. The European Union offers a collective security framework and a diplomatic approach that could facilitate conflict resolution and prevent future crises.
Ukraine has long been a nation strategically located at the crossroads between East and West, a country rich in history, culture and resources. However, its political and economic stability has often been threatened by internal and external tensions. In this context, Ukraine’s accession to the European Union represents a promising prospect not only for the country itself, but also for the entire European region.
First, Ukraine’s accession to the EU could bring significant economic benefits to both the country and the Union as a whole. Ukraine has considerable economic potential, with a wide range of natural resources and, before the conflict with Russia, a growing domestic market. EU integration would open up new markets and business opportunities, stimulate investment and promote sustainable economic development, also in the context of post-war reconstruction. In addition, access to EU structural and cohesion funds could help Ukraine modernise its infrastructure and promote growth in key sectors such as energy, agriculture and technology.
Second, EU membership could foster political stability and the full realisation of Ukraine’s democratisation. The EU is based on the fundamental principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, values that could help consolidate Ukraine’s democratic institutions and strengthen its reform process. EU membership could also help to resolve internal conflicts by promoting dialogue and cooperation between different ethnic and political groups.
Thirdly, Ukraine’s accession to the EU could help strengthen security and stability in the wider region. Ukraine lies on the EU’s eastern border and has played a crucial role in regional conflicts, particularly in the context of the confrontation between the West and Russia. EU membership could provide an opportunity to normalise relations with Russia through multilateral diplomacy and enhanced regional cooperation, thereby helping to reduce tensions and promote peace.
The IPSOS/EURONEWS poll
Ukraine emerges as European voters’ favourite candidate for EU membership, according to an exclusive Ipsos/Euronews poll. However, EU enlargement is not a priority for citizens ahead of the European elections in June.
The poll of 26,000 respondents from 18 member states shows that 45% of EU voters are in favour of Ukraine joining the bloc, while 35% are openly opposed and the remaining 20% are undecided.
Ukraine and neighbouring Moldova, both war-torn, applied for EU membership shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in late February 2024, gaining candidate status in record time. This prompted EU leaders to open accession negotiations.
Previously, the prospect of Ukraine joining the bloc had been considered remote, as other applications, such as those from the Western Balkans, were long overdue and had not made significant progress.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s accession to the EU represents a unique opportunity for the country to realise its full economic, political and social potential. However, it is important to stress that the accession process will require commitment and reform on both sides, as well as continued support from the international community. Above all, it will require a resolution of the conflict sparked by Russia’s war of aggression. Only through sincere cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity will Ukraine and the European Union be able to reap the full benefits of integration.