Newsletter: Shining a Light on Who Gets Into the EU
Newsletter – Good morning. This week’s edition of the newsletter explores the complexities surrounding the expansion of the European Union, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Ukraine and the evolving dynamics within EU leadership. The topic has gained traction in Brussels, where discussions about reforming the bloc’s accession process have intensified. Angela Skujins, the lead editor, delves into the current state of affairs, highlighting how the European Commission is rethinking its approach to a system often criticized for being overly bureaucratic.
The EU Enlargement Process in Flux
The European Union’s enlargement process, a cornerstone of its identity, has been the subject of growing scrutiny. According to exclusive reporting by my colleague Luca Bertuzza, the Commission is revising its proposals to streamline the method by which new members are admitted. This comes as the 27 EU capitals have reportedly pushed back on the executive’s authority, leading to a situation where the bloc’s decision-making power is diluted. Under the current framework, each of the 35 policy chapters must secure unanimous approval from all member states before negotiations can proceed or conclude. This consensus requirement means a single country can block progress, creating a bottleneck for aspiring members.
One proposed solution to this bottleneck is the concept of “membership lite,” a term used to describe a streamlined path to EU integration that offers partial benefits. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has championed this idea, suggesting it could allow countries to join the bloc without full access to all its privileges. However, the suggestion has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has consistently opposed it. His argument centers on the symbolic value of EU membership, which he believes should not be compromised by a system that grants less than full status to new entrants.
“I don’t want Ukraine to be treated as a symbolic member,” Zelenskyy stated during a recent interview. “Soldiers and civilians are not just symbols—they’re paying the ultimate price with every attack on our soil.”
Despite this resistance, the Commission remains determined to push forward with reforms. A spokesperson highlighted the upcoming EUCO meeting in October as a critical juncture for discussing these changes, emphasizing the need for a more efficient process. The meeting is expected to focus on how the EU can balance its traditional emphasis on consensus with the urgency of addressing current geopolitical crises.
Ukraine’s Battle for Membership
Ukraine’s quest for EU membership has become a flashpoint in these discussions. The country’s plight, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion since 2022, has underscored the importance of a swift accession process. Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine’s envoy to the EU, recently addressed this on Euronews’ Europe Today programme. He called for a shift in focus, urging EU leaders to prioritize tangible outcomes over symbolic gestures. “We need to ensure Ukraine feels the benefits of enlargement at this stage,” Chentsov said. “The discussion should center on real progress, not just the title.”
The recent attack on Kyiv has further amplified the urgency of Ukraine’s case. Euronews’ Sasha Vakulina reported that Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones overnight, targeting the capital and surrounding areas. The assault resulted in at least ten casualties and injured dozens, with explosions shaking the city as civilians sought shelter in metro stations. This incident occurred just hours after Zelenskyy warned of an imminent large-scale strike, timed to coincide with the US Independence Day and the NATO summit in Ankara.
Zelenskyy has stressed the need for immediate support, particularly in the form of air defence systems like the Patriot missiles. “Any delay means the loss of lives,” he emphasized. The NATO summit, scheduled for Ankara, is seen as a pivotal moment for bolstering Kyiv’s defense. However, the event also presents a challenge for EU officials, as the bloc grapples with internal divisions and the need to reconcile its commitments with evolving priorities.
EU Officials in Türkiye: A Strategic Move
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is among the senior officials traveling to Türkiye for the NATO summit in Ankara. The meeting, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday, will address key issues such as defense spending, support for Ukraine, and transatlantic security. While the focus is on collective action, the summit also serves as an opportunity for von der Leyen to address a recent controversy.
Earlier this month, von der Leyen made a statement in Hamburg that drew criticism. She suggested that Europe must complete its continental integration to avoid being influenced by external powers like Russia, Türkiye, and China. This remark, though intended to highlight the EU’s strategic autonomy, has been seen by some as a misstep, particularly given Türkiye’s long-standing status as an EU accession candidate since 1999. Formal negotiations began in 2005, yet the country’s role in the summit has sparked debate over its alignment with EU values.
As part of efforts to mitigate the backlash, the EU has dispatched Kaja Kallas, its foreign policy chief, to engage with Turkish officials. This diplomatic push aims to soften the impact of von der Leyen’s earlier comments, with some viewing it as a calculated move to restore credibility. German MEP Engin Eroglu, a Turkish descent member, noted that the summit could transcend mere political maneuvering. “This isn’t just about resolving quarrels,” he remarked. “It’s about resetting the relationship and ensuring Türkiye’s voice is heard in shaping the future of the bloc.”
Shifting Priorities and a Call for Unity
The NATO summit in Ankara represents a crossroads for the EU’s approach to enlargement. While the event offers a chance to solidify support for Ukraine, it also highlights the bloc’s internal tensions. US President Donald Trump is expected to probe whether allies are on track to meet the 3.5% of GDP defense spending target, a commitment made in 2025. This scrutiny underscores the growing pressure on the EU to demonstrate its dedication to collective security.
As the discussions unfold, the need for consensus remains paramount. The Commission’s proposals for reform must navigate the delicate balance between efficiency and inclusivity. With Ukraine’s situation growing more urgent by the day, the EU faces a critical decision: will it adapt its processes to reflect the realities of today, or will it cling to a system that risks slowing progress for countries in dire need of support?
Amid these challenges, the broader question of who qualifies for EU membership persists. The current framework, while rooted in tradition, may be outdated in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The upcoming strategic discussions at the EUCO meeting will be a test for the Commission’s ability to modernize its approach without alienating key members. For Ukraine, the stakes are clear—every delay could mean more lives lost, and every reform could bring the country one step closer to the EU’s door.
