‘Goodbye Russia’ Ukraine one step closer to EU accession…advised to open association talks

Ukraine meets 4 out of 7 membership criteria, nearly completes the rest
Unanimous approval from 27 countries needed at December board meeting, Hungary remains a variable
Zelensky welcomes “strong and historic action”
EU set to ban imports of Russian diamonds next week

Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for nearly two years, has moved a step closer to joining the European Union (EU). The EU Executive Commission (EC) has recommended to the board that negotiations with Ukraine for membership should start, CNN reported on December 8.

The EC said in a statement, “We have adopted the 2023 enlargement report,” adding, “The report includes our recommendation for public accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.” The EC further said, “All European countries striving to respect and promote the democratic values of the EU can apply for membership,” and “To join the EU, a series of political and economic criteria must be met.”

According to the report, Ukraine has met four of the seven criteria set by the EC. The remaining conditions are also nearly completed, explained the British daily, The Independent.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EC, emphasized in her speech, “Today is a historic day. The EC has recommended the start of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova,” and “Despite the tremendous hardships and tragedies triggered by Russia’s aggressive war, Ukraine is undergoing massive reforms.” She added, “Negotiations will begin once Ukraine meets the remaining few criteria,” and “The EC will reassess progress in March next year.”

Following the EC’s recommendation, the leaders of the 27 EU countries will hold a board meeting in mid-December to decide on approval. Unanimous consent is required for the decision, and if approved, formal negotiations will begin next year.

Currently, Hungary remains a major obstacle. Previously, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared, “I will not support Ukraine’s EU membership.”

Though the journey is long, Ukraine welcomed the progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a “strong and historic action that opens the way to the EU” and pledged to “continue to push for reforms needed to become a member state.”

Meanwhile, the EU is set to announce its 12th round of sanctions against Russia next week. The sanctions are expected to include a ban on the import of Russian diamonds. Russian diamonds are among the few commodities not yet subject to EU sanctions, and as the world’s largest diamond producer, Russia is likely to face economic damage. Russia’s diamond exports in 2021 amounted to $4 billion (approximately 5 trillion KRW). Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, “I should be able to deliver the sanctions package to foreign ministers of each country on the 13th.”