Ukraine’s Path to EU Accession Talks

The decision to launch accession talks this week is a “big day” for her country, Olga Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, said. “This is the utmost will of the Ukrainian people. And this is the irreversibility. And you’ve seen Ukrainians stand up for their choice,” Stefanishyna said, speaking in Kyiv on Sunday. It was her first interview since being appointed chief negotiator for EU accession.

Historic Step towards EU Accession

EU member countries agreed on Friday to start entry talks with Ukraine and Moldova – overcoming vocal opposition from Hungary which takes over the EU’s rotating presidency on July 1. The process of joining varies for each country but could take years. Turkey started its accession talks almost two decades ago and is still waiting for full membership.

Stefanishyna will head the opening of accession talks in Luxembourg on Tuesday, joined by several top government officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to give a speech at the launch ceremony, but Stefanishyna did not elaborate on whether he would do so in person or online. Zelenskyy described Friday’s decision as a “historic step,” adding in an online post: “Generations of our people are realising their European dream.” Ukraine is returning to Europe.

A survey of opinion polling by the European Parliament earlier this year suggested that EU citizens broadly back Ukraine’s membership bid but are less supportive of fast-tracking the process. Ukraine, Stefanishyna said, was not seeking special treatment. “Ukraine is moving fast,” she said, “without skipping any elements of the process (and) without asking (for) any discount.”

Russia has used economic pressure and ultimately military force to try and reverse the aspirations of its former Soviet neighbour to join Western alliances it regards as hostile. Deadly protests a decade ago demanded that the government stick to a pledge to forge closer ties with the EU and put the country on a collision course with Russia.

“It’s a big day for everybody,” said Stefanishyna, who frequently showed emotion while describing the integration process. “It has been around two years since Ukraine applied for membership. The war is still raging on, but the accession is starting right now.” Stefanishyna, a 38-year-old lawyer who has worked in civil service and government positions since her early twenties, will lead Ukraine’s 35-member delegation for negotiations with the EU.