Ukraine is nearing its long-held aspiration of European Union membership due to the ongoing war with Russia and extensive reforms. Kyiv filed its request to join the EU days after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. A veteran of Ukraine’s 2014 revolution who is now fighting Russian forces, Yehor Sobolev, is proud of the nation’s decade-long drive to join the EU as formal accession talks open, stating “We Ukrainians know how to fulfill our dreams.” The launch of talks is a symbolic step for Ukraine, recognizing the bloodshed endured and reforms undertaken in pursuit of EU membership.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s return to Europe as a full-fledged member of the European community after filing its request to join the EU post-Russia’s invasion. The nation sees EU membership as validation of its struggle to embrace European values, despite challenges presented by an outdated bureaucracy still influenced by Soviet-era remnants. The war with Russia remains an ongoing barrier to accession, with Ukrainian towns and cities constantly under threat of Russian air strikes that have resulted in civilian and military casualties, displacement, and damage to critical infrastructure.
Yehor Sobolev’s personal journey reflects Ukraine’s trajectory over the past decade, from his active involvement in the Maidan revolution to his participation in legislative efforts that formed the foundation of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of erasing Soviet legacy and Russian influence through the renaming of streets, towns, cities, and removal of monuments. Sobolev transitioned from a rank-and-file Ukrainian soldier to officer amidst escalating conflict with Russia, viewing the war as an extension of the fight against corruption and Russian influence.
Ukraine is preparing for accession talks, expected to commence at a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg. Despite initial progress in fighting corruption and rebuilding the judiciary, Ukraine must develop a detailed plan to achieve lasting results in various areas, including agriculture, taxation, and climate change. Leonid Litra of the New Europe Centre in Kyiv emphasized the need for a clear to-do list with measurable benchmarks to ensure a merit-based and predictable integration process. Sobolev acknowledges the challenges ahead, including entrenched mentalities within the government, but believes Ukrainians will become more serious about governance as EU membership approaches.
The talks will coincide with Hungary assuming the EU’s presidency, a nation with closer ties to Russia than other member states. Ukraine will face numerous challenges and hurdles on the path to EU membership, necessitating continued reforms and adherence to EU standards. The war with Russia continues to pose a significant obstacle, with Ukrainian society forced to mature and adapt as they strive for closer integration with the European Union. Sobolev, a father of four, remains hopeful for the future, noting the transformative impact that the prospect of EU membership has had on Ukrainian governance and society.
