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The European Council announced a seventh envelope of military aid to Ukraine of around €500 million this Thursday (2) and €45 million to finance training missions. “We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borell, from Kiev.
On the eve of the European Union-Ukraine summit, held on Friday (3), in Kiev, Sébastien Maillard, director of the Jacques Delors Institute, deciphers, in an interview with RFI, what the stakes of this meeting are and the real possibility of Ukraine entering in the EU.
RFI: What is the scope of this visit of senior European leaders to Kiev?
Sebastien Maillard: Politically, it’s a strong gesture, a show of strength, in a way. It is the first time in the history of European construction that an entire delegation of European Commissioners travels to a country at war. The initiative shows Ukraine that it will have its place in the European family.
We should not underestimate this gesture, which is also aimed at raising the morale of Ukrainians and showing that there is a serious prospect of joining the European Union. But the discussions held in Kiev also aim to highlight all the efforts that must be made with a view to opening accession negotiations.
There is a strong sense of urgency expressed by the Ukrainian authorities, who want to be in the European Union in two years. This is completely unrealistic. You cannot skip any steps. We will have to bring Ukrainians back to more realistic considerations.
Between the Ukrainians, who want membership as soon as possible, and some European leaders, who talk of decades, what is the most realistic timetable?
Obviously, it will be neither 2024 nor 2026, even if we can go faster than usual. Ukraine is a country of 44 million people whose level of corruption is well known, even though the authorities have acknowledged the problem. But one must ensure, when a country joins the EU, that its economy is ready to be part of European free trade. It will be necessary to ensure that European funds are well managed. Entry into the EU is a contract of trust built over time, with promises but also with legal proof that you are well equipped to comply with European law.
If we look at the other countries that have joined the European Union, it takes, on average, around 10 years to become a full member. There could be a form of gradual accession of Ukraine, facilitating exchanges with the European market, concluding telephone roaming agreements. It would be a way to allow the country to have a secure position in Europe.
This form of gradual accession would allow Ukraine to make concrete progress without necessarily accelerating the pace irresponsibly and without making the country wait too long.
In addition to political support, what help does the EU provide in terms of military support?
Firstly, there is new aid worth €25 million which should be given to Ukraine to help it carry out mine clearance. The effort required is enormous for this country in this area. There is also donor coordination from various agencies, such as the European Investment Bank or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. For this, a platform will be set up.
In addition, the European Union training mission will train up to 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Last May, the aim was to prepare 15,000. It is very important in times of war that the bloc, which does not send any of its soldiers, participates in the training of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers.
Finally, there should be a discussion in Kiev about how to prosecute war crimes. Should a special court be created? Ukraine is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), nor is Russia. The European Union is also helping to collect all the evidence that will be used in future trials.