A Persisting Struggle: Ukraine's Journey Towards EU Membership and Militant Support
Despite ongoing clashes with Russia, Ukraine is pressing ahead with preparations for negotiations to join the European Union (EU). President Volodymyr Zelenskyi emphasized the country's intent to fulfill all EU requirements prior to the anticipated heads of state and government decision in December. The EU parliamentarians' foreign ministers held discussions over Ukraine in Brussels yesterday, followed by defense ministers’ meeting today to discuss further support for the embattled nation.
Ukraine's EU Ambitions
Zelenskyi referred to Ukraine's EU accession as a European-wide project, emphasizing the need to meet all EU Commission prerequisites. In 2022, Ukraine was designated as a candidate country, leading Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to recommend negotiations.
Von der Leyen acknowledges that Ukraine has made significant advancements in fulfilling seven requirements, such as fighting corruption. For Zelenskyi, EU accession would serve as a pan-European success, boosting his country's economic, social, and international standing.
Frontline Fighting
Per Zelensky's address on Monday, the most intense fighting takes place at Avdiivka, Mariinka, and Bakhmut sections, among other areas along the approximately 1,200-kilometer front. Major-General Valerij Saluschnyj, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, echoed this sentiment during a call with U.S. Commander-in-Chief Charles Brown.
Over the past day, Russian artillery targeted several areas in the southern Kherson region, causing fatalities and injuries. While portions of the Kherson region were liberated by Ukraine a year ago, heavy Russian troop presence continues to occupy the southern region. The Dnipro River serves as the main front line, but Ukrainian troops have successively crossed the river and established bridgeheads.
War-Impacted Agriculture
The ongoing conflict has adversely impacted Ukraine's agricultural sector. With winter wheat sowing limited to 3.8 million hectares, the amount is half that of pre-war levels. Limited arable land usage and inadequate financial resources to purchase seeds stem from the conflict's aftermath. The reduced harvest may result in less grain supply in 2025.
Future of EU Military Support
EU foreign affairs representative Josep Borrell proposed a longer-term funding commitment of €5 billion annually for military aid from 2024 to 2027. However, achieving unanimous support among EU states for this initiative remains an elusive goal. Borrell plans to present a new proposal in December to seek compromise.
The EU's Role in Ukraine
Amidst escalating conflicts and foreign occupation, Ukrainian President Zelensky continues his pursuit of EU accession, highlighting Ukraine's progress in addressing various preconditions. As the EU's most significant military training provider for the Ukrainian forces, the EU's dedication to its accession and sustained military and humanitarian aid remains strong.
EU's Contributions to Ukraine
- Membership Bid: The EU is accelerating Ukraine's membership bid, planning to open two negotiating clusters during the first half of 2025.
- Financial Support: The EU has allocated up to €54 billion for Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction, and modernization. This includes €5.4 billion for a Ukraine Assistance Fund.
- Military Aid: The EU has provided over €52 billion in military aid, including €2.2 billion for the joint procurement and delivery of artillery ammunition.
- Humanitarian Assistance: The EU has supplied €18 billion in humanitarian aid to support Ukrainian refugees.
As the EU remains committed to both political and military support towards Ukraine, the country navigates its journey towards EU membership and deals with the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Throughout Europe's largest expansion push in recent years, considerable financial support of €174 billion has been pledged for Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction, and modernization. The EU aims to open two negotiating clusters during the first half of 2025, signifying a significant milestone towards Ukraine's EU membership. Additionally, the European Union has established a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund, providing €5.4 billion in crucial financial aid. The EU's humanitarian efforts go beyond monetary support, with over 8 million refugees receiving aid and close to 4 million being registered for temporary protection in the EU. To preserve their health amidst fleeing the conflict, close to 4,000 medical evacuations of Ukrainian patients transferred to European hospitals take place each year.
