Krišjānis Kariņš
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Latvia
A decade ago, Ukrainians took to the streets in protest of the decision to abandon the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement, aimed to forge closer political and economic ties. The Euromaidan events clearly manifested the “European choice” and how the people of Ukraine see themselves and their country. The historic decision by EU leaders at the December European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine is not just a mere gesture of goodwill or a geopolitical signal to a country holding out against Russia’s aggression. It is first and foremost the EU's response to the Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations of Ukrainians and our acknowledgment of the solid progress made by Ukraine in implementing a broad reform agenda.
The “European choice” manifested at the Euromaidan stands even stronger today, ten years later, when Ukrainians are bravely fighting the unjustified and unprovoked Russia’s war of aggression. This bloody war has not prevented Ukraine from successfully implementing the necessary reforms to move even closer to the EU. On the contrary, Russia’s war has further highlighted the profound need for Ukraine to be a part of the European Union and has driven decision-makers to step up the reform agenda. Ukraine has already implemented a vast amount of reforms in very complex areas, not least in the judicial sector, the fight against corruption and the protection of national minorities.
The reality of the EU enlargement is that it is a Union for the willing. The country acceding is the one that expresses its determination to join. By taking over the common set of rights and obligations that constitute the body of EU law, the country demonstrates its readiness to accept and its capacity to implement values, norms, and standards of the European Union.
As one of the countries that experienced the transformative EU integration process and joined the EU 20 years ago, Latvia has been a staunch supporter of EU enlargement. That is why I am particularly proud of the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. The EU’s decision is important not only for Ukraine, but also for the EU itself. With a clear track-record, enlargement has played a crucial role in political stabilization and promoting the values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law in the acceding countries. It is in the wider interest of Europe to support Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen those values as well. Furthermore, with Ukraine joining the EU’s Single Market we will become even more competitive on the global stage.
2024 will be another important year for Ukraine in stepping closer to the EU. We have taken a historic decision; nevertheless, there is still work to be done to fully launch the negotiating process. This will include a screening to assess the level of alignment with the EU legislation as well as the preparation and adoption of the negotiating framework. The accession process takes time and a lot of reform and therefore it will require constant attention and commitment from both Ukraine and the EU.
From its part, Latvia will continue to fully support Ukraine in this process and share our own experience and expertise. Over two decades, Latvia has developed itself as a strong advocate for democratic transition processes, modern and smart governance solutions, socio-economic change and gender equality. We will continue to share our own transformation experience through joining the EU, NATO and OECD, as well as our innovations and best practices. Latvia is already one of the biggest assistance providers to Ukraine, our support reaching almost 1 % of GDP. Among many other activities, our development cooperation projects aim to foster Ukraine’s EU integration process in fields such as agriculture, SMEs and good governance.
Accession of any new Member States also initiates internal processes within the EU. It will be necessary to adapt EU policies, institutions and budget to ensure continued effective functioning of EU institutions and the effective integration of the new Member States. This is not a new process and the EU has managed to adapt to major changes throughout its history, including the simultaneous accession of ten countries in 2004. The existing Treaties of the EU, which prepared the Union for its last rounds of enlargements, are fit to successfully welcome Ukraine into our club as well.
The EU and the Member States individually have their role to play in supporting enlargement. We have been working on the Ukraine Facility – an instrument that would provide predictable financial support for short-term State and recovery needs, as well as for Ukraine’s medium-term reconstruction, reforms and modernization. This work needs to be finalized without delay and brought to life by approving the necessary funding for the Ukraine Facility.
To fully realize its vision for the future, Ukraine is defending and liberating its territory every single day. The year 2023 ended with increased illegal and brutal attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s territory, including targeting and killing civilians and destroying homes and civilian infrastructure. 2024 has begun in the same way. EU Member States must provide all necessary military assistance until Ukraine’s victory.
With this EU enlargement we are forging Europe’s future, and now is the time to take confident decisions. We owe it not only to the founding fathers of the EU who built it as a peace project but to our future generations, who deserve prosperity, peace and security in Europe.