European Union leaders are gearing up for a summit on June 18, where discussions will center on the potential membership of Ukraine and Moldova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the meeting in Brussels, as reported by Radio Svoboda.
Diplomats preparing for the summit anticipate deliberations on a proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding “associated” membership for Ukraine. This concept is viewed as a transitional step toward full EU membership, though it raises numerous formal and legal questions that need addressing.
Zelensky has previously dismissed intermediate models of European integration, urging the EU to establish a clear timeline for Ukraine’s accession talks. Diplomats emphasize that the membership process will hinge on Ukraine’s commitment to necessary reforms and adherence to established criteria.
“Every candidate country must follow this path… When a country becomes an EU member, it participates in decision-making regarding about a third of the legislation of member states,”
noted one diplomat, clarifying that geopolitical considerations cannot expedite the process.
Another diplomat cautioned that Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations could span several years rather than months, urging Ukrainian officials to adopt a realistic outlook. The diplomat remarked that while Ukraine seeks some form of “geopolitical discount” in the expansion process, this is not how the EU operates, which explains the discussions surrounding an interim status.
Concerns have been raised about the pace of necessary reforms in Ukraine, which has reportedly slowed. However, there is a call for the EU to proactively prepare its member states for a potential new wave of expansion. As one diplomat stated, enthusiasm for enlargement is currently lacking, and without a concerted effort to communicate the strategic importance of expansion, challenges may arise during parliamentary approvals or referendums.
On June 15, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Euro-Integration Taras Kachka announced that following the opening of the first negotiation cluster, Ukraine hopes to swiftly transition to the remaining five clusters within a few weeks. EU diplomats, however, have not committed to a timeline for opening the other clusters, as member states still need to decide on the next steps.
“This has not yet been discussed. Everything is happening very quickly, and this phase of opening is new. We will either open everything in the coming weeks, or some member states may prefer a phased approach. But since this preparatory work has already been completed, it will happen regardless. The only question is timing, not principle,”
another diplomat explained.
On June 15, the EU and Kyiv officially commenced negotiations on the first cluster of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. This cluster, titled “Foundations,” encompasses judicial reform, anti-corruption measures, transparency in public procurement, freedom of speech, human rights, and the functioning of democratic institutions.
The upcoming EU summit will focus on Ukraine and Moldova's membership aspirations, with discussions on transitional membership models and necessary reforms. While Ukraine seeks expedited talks, diplomats caution that the process may take years, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations and preparation within the EU for potential expansion.
Source: Radio Svoboda