‘Ukraine should not entertain illusory hopes of swift accession to the EU’, – Wolfgang Ischinger says

Ukraine should not entertain illusory hopes of swift accession to the European Union.

This was stated in an interview with Die Welt by the former head of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger.

“The forecast that this will happen by 2030 is overly optimistic even if Ukraine were an ideal democratic country without any problems. However, Ukraine faces issues such as a lack of funds, corruption, and armed conflicts, which pose a serious threat to European security. So far, Brussels’ statements have given Kyiv hope that the EU accession process would be quick and easy,” said the former head of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger.

At the same time, he is concerned that, as in the case of Western Balkan countries that were offered the prospect of membership back in 2003, all of this will only lead to disappointment.

“We need to ask ourselves, ‘Within what borders will Ukraine join the EU? With Crimea?'” Ischinger emphasizes.

Furthermore, the process of obtaining full EU membership is in itself associated with significant legal complexities. It involves the adoption of tens of thousands of legislative and regulatory acts. In the current conditions, if Ukraine joins the union, it will become the sole recipient of donor assistance, while all other 27 member states will turn into donors.

“Are we really convinced that the parliaments of all those countries that previously received donor assistance will agree to this without objections? One veto is enough to block the process,” notes Ischinger.

Fires are currently raging around Europe: “Armed conflict in Ukraine involving a nuclear state, conflicts in Kosovo and Serbia, war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Now, Israel’s war against Hamas, which launched a horrific attack on it, has been added. The changing era is by no means a rhetorical device; German society still does not fully understand this. We are witnessing a shift from the era of peace to a very dangerous and escalating situation.”

In this context, Europe needs to strive for conflict resolution in neighboring regions and involve countries in the decision-making process using alternative, more flexible, and free forms of cooperation.

“The ‘Ramstein format’ can be used not only to address defense issues but also in other areas. There are other forms of interaction. Norway, for example, participates in certain Council of Europe meetings. Switzerland is in the Schengen Zone. Such formats can be proposed to other countries,” concludes Ischinger.