Title: Kuleba: Germany Needs to Step Up on Ukraine Issue with EU Leadership in Mind
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has urged Germany to take a more prominent position on the Ukraine issue, expressing hope that this would signify a major shift in Berlin's stance. Up until May, Kuleba's calls for Germany to lead EU accession negotiations had largely fallen on deaf ears.
During the EU summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggested a temporary break for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, allowing the remaining heads of state to vote on initiating accession negotiations with Ukraine without Orban's opposition. Orban's departure ultimately enabled the 26 other EU member states to approve the negotiations.
Kuleba celebrated this as the first time since the Russian invasion in February 2022 that the EU had demonstrated leadership without waiting for American input. He emphasized that Europe has the capacity for strong leadership but requires more self-confidence to seize the opportunity.
The need for further Ukraine aid was another unresolved issue at the EU summit. While Orban continued to oppose releasing EU funds, a special summit on Ukraine aid has been planned for the beginning of 2023.
Despite resistance from certain circles in the United States, Germany has been instrumental in advocating for EU leadership on the Ukraine question. Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD), firmly backs Scholz in his efforts to promote European geopolitical leadership.
Enrichment Insights
Germany's controversial role in EU accession negotiations with Ukraine has been marked by significant financial and military support, intensified economic cooperation, and unwavering political backing for Ukraine's European integration. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, Germany has provided over 44 billion euros in financial aid, also supplying Ukraine with military support alongside other European nations.
Furthermore, Germany and Ukraine have expanded their partnership in the energy sector, with Berlin offering nearly 350 million euros in support for Ukraine's autonomy in this field. In a notable joint venture, German and Ukrainian companies collaborate on the manufacturing and maintenance of military equipment, such as long-range drones and missiles.
Politically, Germany has unequivocally supported Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU. Chancellor Scholz and other German officials have continually reiterated Ukraine's rightful place in the European family. At the most recent EU summit, European Council President Charles Michel announced the launch of membership talks with Ukraine, a triumph for both Ukraine and Europe.
