The article emphasizes the critical significance of EU membership for Ukraine, especially in the light of its past experiences with European integration. It recalls the Dutch referendum of 2016, where the Netherlands voted against the Association Agreement with Ukraine, an event that reinforced Eurosceptic sentiments and emboldened Russian influence. Despite the referendum's outcome, the Dutch government managed to find a legal pathway to ratify the agreement, reflecting the complexities and challenges in Ukraine's journey toward closer ties with Europe.

The piece highlights the role of significant figures in this narrative, notably the then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders, whose stance on the Association Agreement reaffirmed the push for closer Ukrainian-European relations. Following his departure from active politics, Koenders has not vanished from the political landscape; instead, he continues to influence Dutch policy as the chair of the Advisory Council of the Netherlands. His expertise and perspectives are still deemed valuable by the current Dutch government, reinforcing the notion that the journey toward EU membership remains a collaborative effort.

Ultimately, the article suggests that while NATO's stability is uncertain, for Ukraine, EU membership is a pivotal objective. It underscores a broader geopolitical context where Ukraine seeks integration with Western institutions as a countermeasure against Russian aggression, and the commitment of EU member states to support Ukraine amid these trials is paramount for the country's future aspirations and security considerations.