The European Union is reportedly working on a significant plan to facilitate Ukraine's potential accession, allowing it to participate in discussions even before full reforms are completed.
Ukraine has been resisting Russian aggression for nearly four years and is now being considered for a place at the European Union's discussion table, even ahead of the completion of necessary reforms for full membership privileges. According to informed sources from Europe and Ukraine cited by Politico, five crucial steps are outlined for Ukraine's accession process. The first step involves providing Kyiv with informal guidelines and information about negotiation frameworks, which serve as the legal path toward EU membership.
The second step includes a so-called 'reverse enlargement' model, proposing that a country can initially join the EU but receive the full bundle of associated rights and obligations later. This proposal reflects a more agile approach to EU expansion, adapting to current geopolitical realities. Meanwhile, a third step hinges on the anticipated outcomes of Hungary's parliamentary elections, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's potential loss could change Hungary's stance on Ukraine's EU membership.
Finally, there is a suggestion to capitalize on the so-called 'Trump card,' given former U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in achieving peace in Ukraine, which may influence the dynamics surrounding Ukraine's EU accession. The implications of these steps indicate a shift in the EU's approach towards membership criteria, potentially setting a precedent for future enlargements in the context of ongoing instability in Ukraine.
