European Commission Officially Confirms Ukraine's Readiness to Initiate Joining Process

The legislative body of the European Union has proposed that formal talks for membership between the bloc and Ukraine commence next year, marking a significant step forward in Ukraine's efforts to align itself more closely with the Western world. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Wednesday: "This is a momentous day as the Commission recommends the initiation of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova to the council."

On the same day that the Commission published a report recommending EU member states to initiate accession talks, nearly 18 months after accepting Ukraine as a candidate state, von der Leyen made a statement. The report also suggests starting accession talks with Moldova. Ukraine has expressed its desire to join the EU for over a decade. In 2013, then-President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to cancel a trade deal with the EU and turn towards Russia led to protests and his eventual removal from power. This was followed by Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in March 2014. Ukraine's constitution has officially included the goal of joining the EU, as well as NATO, since 2019.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted an application for EU membership in February 2022, just before his country was invaded by Russia. Although initiating negotiations with Ukraine is seen as a significant move towards EU membership for Zelensky, the talks will only commence once certain prerequisites are fulfilled. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it remains uncertain and improbable that these conditions will be satisfied in the near future.