Why Ukraine's EU Accession Faces Delays Despite Deep Integration.

Ukraine's Path to EU Membership

According to UATV: Despite being more integrated with the bloc than many previous candidate nations were at the point of accession, Ukraine faces an expanded list of requirements to join the European Union. Vyacheslav Potapenko, Deputy Director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, identifies the main obstacle as a complex procedural framework established by Brussels. This situation highlights how the EU's accession criteria have evolved and become more demanding over time, even as Ukraine demonstrates significant progress in alignment.

Potapenko emphasized that the current level of interaction between Ukraine and the EU is more substantial than it was, for instance, with Bulgaria or Romania when they became formal members.

“The interaction in various spheres between Ukraine and the European Union is now much greater than, for example, between Bulgaria or Romania and the EU when they became formal members,” — Vyacheslav Potapenko.

The Dangers of a Neutral 'Grey Zone'

On March 8, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that European partners would discuss realistic timelines for Ukraine's EU accession. However, as Potapenko notes, Brussels places great importance on strict adherence to its established regulations.

“This is what the leaders of European countries need, and Brussels needs compliance with the norms,” — Vyacheslav Potapenko.

The expert also warned of the risks that could emerge if Ukraine were to remain in a neutral 'grey zone':

• There is a high risk that Chinese and other foreign actors would move into this space.

These factors underscore the critical importance of Ukraine's continued integration into European structures and its fulfillment of the conditions set for new EU members. The EU accession process is inherently political, balancing technical reforms with broader geopolitical considerations.

This scenario illustrates the complexity of Ukraine's European integration journey, despite its considerable achievements to date. Adherence to the norms and standards set by the EU remains crucial for Ukraine's forward momentum toward membership. As the European Union continues to refine its requirements for new candidates, Ukraine must focus on meeting these conditions to avoid the perils associated with lingering in a 'grey zone'. This also highlights the necessity for active support from European partners throughout the integration process.