By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The European Commission stated there are “no objective reasons” to prevent Ukraine from opening the first phase of its accession process, despite Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s continued veto. Orbán, citing the results of a national consultation opposing Ukraine’s membership, maintains his opposition. The Commission highlights Ukraine’s progress on reforms and its readiness to begin negotiations, emphasizing that the process is merit-based. Diplomats are considering decoupling Ukraine’s and Moldova’s bids, but the Commission states its desire to support both countries’ accession.
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No objective reasons to block Ukraine’s EU accession, Brussels tells Orbán. That’s the essence of the message, isn’t it? The European Union, in its official capacity, is essentially saying to Hungary – and by extension, to anyone else wavering – that there’s no legitimate, justifiable reason to stand in the way of Ukraine’s path to EU membership. The core criteria, the benchmarks a country must meet, are the guiding principles here. The implication is clear: if a nation is being held back from joining, and it’s not because it’s failing to meet the standards, then something else is at play. And that “something else” isn’t in line with the EU’s values.
This whole situation isn’t about a quick fix; we’re talking about a long and complex process. Nobody’s suggesting Ukraine will become a full member overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The focus right now is on starting the process, putting things in motion. As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was ten years ago, the second best time is now. Putting off these negotiations is akin to kicking the can down the road. It’s about being ready to integrate Ukraine swiftly once the war ends, whenever that may be.
Some people raise the issue of the war itself as a reason to pause. Of course, there’s a brutal conflict happening, and Ukraine is in a state of devastation, facing immense challenges. And it is true that a country at war, with unresolved territorial disputes, cannot simply join the EU. However, the point here is that the war is not a permanent barrier. It’s not a reason to halt the process, because the path towards membership should be started. Starting the process now means that Ukraine can be ready to join after the war ends.
Another point frequently mentioned is the prevalence of corruption and economic instability in Ukraine. It is undeniable that corruption is a serious problem, and economic stability is crucial. Yet, this doesn’t automatically negate the idea of starting the process of EU accession. Many nations, including current EU members, have faced similar challenges. It’s a process of continuous improvement and reform. The EU is not a perfect entity, but it is built on the ideal that these issues can be addressed. Furthermore, the EU’s financial aid programs for helping Ukraine with their infrastructure is still happening.
Of course, there are different perspectives, concerns from citizens of other member states. Some wonder about the impact on their own countries and economies. There is skepticism whether Ukraine’s inclusion might weaken the union. However, the arguments are that Ukraine has a strong manufacturing base and energy export capabilities, which would be an economic boon. The EU’s primary purpose is trade. Moreover, many people want Ukraine to join the EU.
Others bring up historical context, citing countries like Turkey and North Macedonia that have been waiting for years to join the EU. These are valid points that underscore the complexity and lengthy nature of the accession process. But these examples highlight the fact that the EU can move forward even when these issues exist. In any case, starting the process now is not akin to bringing war to the union. It is primarily about economic and political integration.
Some may argue that putting this to a popular vote would provide a clearer picture of public sentiment. But it is important to note that there is no guarantee that a public vote would be universally positive.
The central point here is that while there are challenges and complexities, the EU’s message is clear: there are no objective reasons to block Ukraine’s accession. To do so, would undermine the entire process. And the process is not just for Ukraine. It is for the union itself.