Vocal Europe is pleased to invite you to a discussion entitled “Towards full EU membership for Ukraine: challenges and opportunities”. The aim of this event is to explore the different aspects of Ukraine’s journey towards EU membership, discussing the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead while shaping the future of this crucial relationship.
The background
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country has sought to strengthen its ties with Europe and align itself with European norms and values. 2014 saw a protest movement known as the ‘Revolution of Dignity’, which led to the ouster of President Yanukovych, who was opposed to severing ties with Moscow. This led to a forced rapprochement with the West and a move away from Moscow.
However, the process of joining the EU is long and complex, requiring substantial political, economic and social reforms in the candidate country. Ukraine has made significant progress in many areas, but challenges remain. Issues of corruption, judicial reform and media independence are of particular concern.
The EU is supporting Ukraine’s efforts by offering financial aid and technical assistance to help it implement the necessary reforms. However, the EU also expects Ukraine to take concrete steps to strengthen its commitment to European standards and values. EU membership could offer Ukraine significant economic, political and security benefits, but it also requires Ukraine to commit itself to continuing the reforms necessary to meet the EU’s membership criteria.
Topics for discussion
The debate aims to bring together experts, policy-makers and stakeholders to discuss in French and English the efforts needed for Ukraine to become a full member of the European Union. The discussion will cover the following topics:
- The concrete steps Ukraine needs to take to comply with European standards and values. It would be useful to discuss the progress made by Ukraine in the fight against corruption, reform of the judicial system, guarantees on civil liberties, political freedoms and freedom of the press, protection of human rights, and the measures that still need to be taken.
- Ukraine’s prospects in the European It would be relevant to discuss the geopolitical, economic and security challenges facing Ukraine, as well as Ukraine’s prospects in the European context and global geopolitics.
Date of the event: 29 June 2023
Venue: 60 Rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60 60 Rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60, B-1047 – European Parliament – 3rd floor Arturo Spinelli Building Brussels, Belgium
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