Ukraine is part of the EU's extended circle - assertion by Latvian Envoy
Latvian Ambassador Pildegovics Outlines Conditions for Ukraine's EU Membership
Latvian Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics has emphasised that Ukraine's long-term investment in Europe's security through EU membership is contingent upon fulfilling specific criteria, primarily focusing on the rule of law, democratic governance, independence of the judiciary, and anti-corruption measures.
Pildegovics, who has been posted as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Ukraine, has a rich diplomatic career spanning over two decades. He served as Ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2012, Ambassador to the United Nations in New York from 2018 to 2023, and as Ambassador-at-Large and Director of the UNSC Task Force in Riga from 2023 till Latvia's election to the UN Security Council in June 2025.
In his recent statements, Pildegovics outlined the conditions for Ukraine's EU candidate status. These conditions include significant systemic reforms, such as the reform of the Constitutional Court, continuation of judicial reforms, and the appointment of the head of Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
Other conditions include anti-money laundering measures, implementation of anti-oligarchic laws aligned with Venice Commission recommendations, harmonization of audiovisual media legislation with EU standards, and changes in legislation on national minorities.
Pildegovics stressed that Ukraine's path to the EU demands more than economic or regulatory compliance; it requires robust institutions ensuring the independence, transparency, and integrity of the judiciary, as well as an inclusive process involving civil society, parliament, and opposition actors.
The ambassador's stance aligns with the broader EU position that membership is a long-term commitment focused on upholding democratic values, rule of law, and fundamental rights, bolstering peace and stability in Europe. Meeting these criteria is framed as a prerequisite for Ukraine to be seen not as a charity case but as a strong, contributing EU member.
Pildegovics has also highlighted Latvia's role in uniting European countries to speak with one voice. He mentioned that Latvian ministers and experts frequently visit Ukraine to share experience and strengthen cooperation.
Pildegovics began his career with the Foreign Service in 1994 as a senior desk officer for Central Asia. He later served as Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adviser on Foreign Affairs to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Head of the President's Chancery, Political Director, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has also served as non-resident Ambassador to the United Mexican States.
As the new Latvian Ambassador to Ukraine, Pildegovics expressed a desire for no artificial delays in Ukraine's EU membership process. He underscored that the obligations for Ukraine under the EU framework revolve around deep systemic reforms in governance and the rule of law, with a focus on institution-building and societal inclusiveness, underpinning Europe's long-term security.
[1] European Commission, "Recommendation for the conferral of candidate status on Ukraine," 17 June 2022, https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/policy/countries/ukraine/documents/ukraine-recommendation-for-candidate-status_en
[2] European Commission, "Ukraine: A stronger, more democratic and more prosperous Europe," 17 June 2022, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_3654
[5] European Commission, "Ukraine: A stronger, more democratic and more prosperous Europe," 17 June 2022, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_3654
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