MEPs debated, on Wednesday 22 June, ahead of the European Council on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 June, the EU accession process of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. As a reminder, the European Commission recommended, on 17 June, that Ukraine and Moldova be granted candidate status for EU membership and that Georgia be granted a “European perspective” (see EUROPE 12974/1)
“I believe and hope that we will be able to reach a consensus in this Council. The granting of an application does not mean ‘immediate membership’. This early signal and the demands of membership are shared by the Member States”, said Clément Beaune, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
However, a “distinction” will have to be made between different countries, he added. This is a vision that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, clearly shares.
Regarding Moldova, Ms von der Leyen stressed - while reiterating her support for the three countries’ applications for membership and emphasising the strengths of the respective dossiers - that the country’s economy and administration “require substantial efforts”. On the Georgian side, she said, the work would have to focus on “political balance”.
Finally, the President of the European Commission said that “important work” remained to be done in Ukraine.
“Ukraine has already taken essential steps in the right direction. It has put in place the necessary anti-corruption bodies. But these institutions must now come to life. They need some bite and the right people in leadership positions”, she said.
Transparency and the Western Balkans
Among MEPs, support for the three countries was unanimous across the political groups. Nevertheless, a number of them recalled that the EU should also be transparent on the issue of EU membership.
“We owe these countries sincerity, honesty and transparency. Ukraine is at war, its institutions are fragile, its standard of living is far from EU standards. Enlargement can make sense, for Ukraine as it can for others, but it must always be done with harmonisation from above so that all benefit from a social and democratic progress”, said Manon Aubry (The Left, France).
In addition, some MEPs also stressed that the issue of EU membership for the Western Balkan countries should not be ignored, while pointing out the slow pace of the process.
“North Macedonia has been a candidate for 17 years and has been waiting, while making sacrifices. Do you find this normal? Albania has been a candidate since 2014. We have to see what the future of the Western Balkans is, just as we have to see what the future of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine is”, said Iratxe García Pérez (S&D, Spain). And to add: “Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, you tarnish the image of the EU when you do not honour your promises”.
“We must have a perspective for the Western Balkans, they have been waiting for years, despite the progress. North Macedonia has even changed the name of its country. Reforms have been carried out, the EU must do everything in its power to move forward”, said Ska Keller (Greens/EFA, Germany).
The views of Ms García Pérez and Ms Keller were shared on several occasions by various MEPs, such as Stéphane Séjourné (Renew Europe, France), who argued that a “majority” of Member States are “ulcerated by the behaviour of certain Member States” who use their right to veto.
On the EU Council side, Clément Beaune assured that, “the Western Balkans issue is not disconnected from the rest of the dossiers. There should be no competition in the accession processes.
“Rapid accession is necessary, but there must also be alignment with EU values, with our sanctions policies, which themselves reflect our values. This is indispensable”, he added, calling for closer cooperation with the Balkan countries, especially in the fields of energy and security.
Discussions planned on developments in the Ukraine conflict
Finally, in addition to a large part of the discussions on the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, the European Council will also be an opportunity for Member States to take stock of developments regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Part of the discussion will focus on support for Ukraine, the impact of EU sanctions on Moscow and corridors to ensure food security in the country.
See the conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/28j (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)