Member-only story
The EU Granting Ukraine Candidate Status — What Then?
EU Membership is Likely Years Away
Yesterday, on the 17th of June 2022, the European Commission recommended that both Moldova and Ukraine be given candidate status to become future EU Members.
That’s a big deal, one that Ukraine is welcoming. In the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “[This decision is] the 1st step on the EU membership path that’ll certainly bring our Victory closer.” On the other hand, Putin says he’s indifferent to the decision.
But what does this really mean? And is Ukraine’s future really in the EU? Well, there are a few things we have to consider.
When we take into account some of Ukraine’s problems in the executive branch, corruption in the judiciary, restrictions toward the media, and a host of other criteria, Ukraine falls short of the EU’s professed values. And changing in accordance with those values may prove long and taxing.
In order to become an EU member state, Ukraine must meet the strict terms of the Copenhagen criteria. It must also prove that it has an effective executive branch, separate judiciary, free speech in the media, an open society, a free market, and good relations with its neighbors.
