Countries of the European Union are developing a package of short-term solutions to deepen Ukraine’s integration into the bloc, since the idea of fast full membership has currently been rejected. This is reported by POLITICO.
It is noted that the proposals include expanding Ukraine’s access to the EU market, participation in the Union’s programs and institutions, as well as gradual economic integration.
“Ukraine’s priority remains full membership in the EU. But we also expect early, tangible steps that will already deliver an integration effect”, - said Ukraine’s ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov.
The idea of such solutions arose after EU countries refused to support the option of accelerated accession of Ukraine without completing key reforms. Instead, Brussels is looking for a format that would allow Kyiv to receive concrete benefits even before full membership.
Among the possible steps being considered is Ukraine’s participation in certain formats of European institutional work, in particular without voting rights, as well as granting a special status of a country on the path to accession.
Ukraine, for its part, insists on phased access to the EU single market, concluding an ACAA agreement to simplify trade in industrial goods, and involving Ukrainian business in strategic industrial dialogues of the European Commission.
It is expected that such steps could provide “immediate economic benefits” and strengthen investor confidence, while not replacing the full accession process.