Granting candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova has earned the EU praise. But by keeping Western Balkan countries in the waiting room, the union is aggravating the region’s frustrations with Brussels.
In this era of geopolitical competition, Europe believes it offers an approach based upon multilateralism and international solidarity. To convince others of this viable alternative, Europe must better understand perceptions in the Global South and improve its own international standing.
Ukraine should view EU accession as a long-term project. Joining the union has become increasingly harder, lengthier, and more mired with obstacles.
Russia’s war against Ukraine shows why NATO and the EU are both essential for European security. The two offer different yet complementary models for organizing the continent’s defense.
Granting Ukraine EU candidate status would send an important signal to its government and citizens. But this must go hand in hand with weapons supplies and support for the country’s reconstruction.
The parliamentary election setback for President Macron and bickering inside the German and Italian coalitions play into Moscow’s hands. If EU member states falter over Ukraine, European security will be jeopardized.
The accession of Western Balkan countries to the EU has stalled due to issues within the union as well as in the region itself. Renewed commitment on both sides is needed to break the current impasse.
EU integration has been propelled by both treaty change and improvised action. To continue to adapt and respond in this era of crises, the union should adopt limited treaty amendments that implement the conclusions reached at the Conference on the Future of Europe.
EU member states have no shared vision of how to deal with Russia as it continues its attack on Ukraine. Rushing to end the war at all costs could have devastating consequences for Kyiv and Europe.
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