In three weeks, the European Council will consider granting Ukraine EU candidate status. Many in the EU underestimate the importance of this step.
Those promoting its postponement are well heard; however, this will harm both Ukraine and the EU itself. We explain why it will slow down the post-war reforms in Ukraine; undermine democracy in other countries, including Western Balkans; increase the EU budget’s burden, and push for new instability in Europe.
However, there is a way to avoid this, create powerful momentum for reforms, and open new opportunities for the EU. We, representatives of Ukrainian think tanks and other civil society organizations, propose a safe approach that resolves the EU’s concerns and allows getting rid of the harmful idea of intermediate status for Ukraine, such as a “potential candidate.”
It should be stressed that Ukraine’s membership in the EU is not on the agenda at present, It is a long way to go. Ukraine needs to implement the EU acquis and reform in all areas, from industrial production to rule of law or digital security. Ukraine respects the procedure and realizes that it will not become an EU member without carrying out profound reforms that are no less important than accession itself.
Meanwhile, candidate status is on the agenda and Ukraine already meets the criteria for it.
The full text of the letter placed on European Pravda in English and German languages.
Ukrainian Side of the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform (Association Agreement body); Reanimation Package of Reforms Coalition (Public association of 26 reform-focused NGOs) and more than 200 NGOs, pushing for European reforms: think-tanks, trade unions, charities and associations.