The Latvian prime minister, Krisjanis Karins, recently argued for Ukraine to begin European Union accession negotiations in 2023, even if hostilities persist. In a letter published by editors at the Financial Times, Karins urged that the process should start this year, emphasizing several strategic factors behind this stance. Source: Financial Times.
Karins laid out three main reasons for advancing talks with Kyiv. First, initiating negotiations would bolster the morale and resolve of Ukraine’s military and civilian population during an ongoing crisis. Second, the early start of EU accession discussions could accelerate the reforms Ukraine must undertake to align with EU standards. Third, joining the EU is seen as enhancing the bloc’s political and economic resilience through access to Ukraine’s growing market and its potential to contribute to shared European prosperity. He argued that the move would give both sides a clear path forward amid uncertainty. Source: Financial Times.
Regarding Ukraine’s prospects within the North Atlantic Alliance, Karins acknowledged that the current conflict complicates NATO’s consideration of membership. He suggested that a victorious, fully sovereign Ukraine would be best positioned to join NATO, arguing that such a step would be instrumental in keeping Russia in check by extending robust security guarantees to Kyiv. The focus, he said, should be on securing Ukraine’s eventual integration into the alliance, with readiness to continue providing the necessary defense assurances during the transition. Source: Financial Times.
Dmytro Kuleba, who previously served as Ukraine’s foreign minister, has stated that Ukraine’s potential EU and NATO membership should not be viewed as charity or a ransom. He characterized membership in both institutions as consistent with the strategic interests of Western partners and as a signal of Kyiv’s willingness to integrate with Western political and security frameworks. His remarks underscore the belief that Ukraine’s future alignment with Western institutions reflects long-term geopolitical goals rather than a temporary concession. Source: Financial Times.
In early March, a Ukrainian official reiterated that Kyiv would adhere to EU recommendations provided after Ukraine was granted candidate status. The reaffirmation emphasized Kyiv’s commitment to meeting the benchmarks set by Brussels and to advancing reform efforts while navigating the pressures of ongoing conflict. The statement framed reform progress as integral to aligning Ukraine with EU norms and procedures, even as security challenges continued to shape the country’s agenda. Source: Financial Times.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, spoke in Lviv during a meeting with the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, outlining Kyiv’s plan to launch negotiations on EU accession as soon as 2023. The remarks highlighted Kyiv’s intent to pursue a formal start to talks despite present-term hostilities, reflecting a strategic choice to anchor Ukraine’s future in the European project. The discussion also signaled ongoing efforts to coordinate with Brussels on candidate-country reforms and timelines. Source: Financial Times.