Ukraine as a Candidate for the Accession to the European Union. Political and Legal Aspects in Light of Russia’s Aggression.
By invading Ukraine, waging a brutal war, and committing international crimes, Russia intends to undermine the system of values founding the democratic community, and the very basis of global security. The democratic bloc has demonstrated exceptional unity and resolve in its response: Ukraine has been receiving political, military, and economic support. As part of this support, the European Council granted EU candidate status to Ukraine, thus paving the way towards Ukraine’s integration with democratic Europe. The prospect of Ukraine as a member of NATO has also become more realistic. The finalisation of these processes will be tantamount to deep reshaping of the European security system. It will also put an end to imperial ambitions of Russia.
Understandably, these issues are of fundamental importance to Poland. It is the biggest EU Member State and NATO member to share a border with Ukraine, and it has played a key role in bringing support to Ukraine during the war. Last but not least, Ukraine’s path towards EU membership does go through Poland. As for Poland, a truly independent Ukraine belonging to democratic institutions would be a realisation of its Promethean dreams, and a strategic security factor.
The aim of the present report is to shed light on the importance Ukraine’s EU candidate status with particular focus on the afore-mentioned, central circumstances, and—to the fullest possible extent—to identify the detailed issues in relation to it.
The report does, of course, address Poland’s arising opportunity to support Ukraine’s European ambitions, following the internal political shift which occurred in Poland as a result of its parliamentary election of 15 October 2023.
The present report has been prepared based on documentation and opinions available before 15 October 2023.