Charles Michel: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reinvigorates EU’s enlargement strategy
Russia's Ukraine invasion boosts EU expansion case, chairman says, aiming for reforms by 2030 to admit new members like Ukraine, citing historical call for reuniting continent.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has given fresh impetus to the EU’s drive to admit more countries, the bloc’s chairman said on 29 April, according to Reuters. Speaking ahead of the 20th anniversary of the EU’s “Big Bang” enlargement in 2004 on May 1, which added 10 new members, mostly ex-Soviet nations, European Council President Charles Michel said the current conflict has presented “a call of history” to reunite the continent again.
Michel expressed hope that the 27-nation EU and prospective new members like Ukraine could complete the reforms necessary for admission by 2030. He cited the 2004 enlargement countries’ economic success, with their combined GDP per capita rising from around half the EU average then to 80% currently.
Six Balkan countries, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova are among the applicants seeking to join today’s EU of 450 million people. Ukraine, with around 40 million people and a large agricultural sector, would be by far the largest prospective new member.
The EU chairman acknowledged the challenge of potentially integrating Ukraine but argued that failing to pursue further enlargement would be “a terrible, irresponsible mistake,” as the integration will boost the EU’s global influence alongside major powers like China and the US.
Read also:
- Hahn: Potential 20% EU budget hike from Ukraine’s accession only 0.2% of economic output, yet quick membership unlikely
- PM Shmyhal: Ukraine hopes to start EU membership talks in H1 2024
- Armenia deepening relations with US, EU, considers joining EU, FM says
- “Historic moment” as European Council decides to open accession talks with Ukraine
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
