On December 14, 2023, the European Council made a historic decision by opening accession negotiations with Ukraine. This crucial step marks the realization of the Ukrainian people’s European aspirations and their rightful place within the united and supportive family of Europe.
The Ukrainian people have resolutely fought for European values, demonstrating unwavering courage, sacrificing lives, and shedding blood. Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has endured monumental challenges. The two democratic revolutions of 2004 and 2014 were driven by the Ukrainian people’s desire to join the European community and break away from the imperialist legacy imposed by Russia.
In 2014, following the Revolution of Dignity, when Ukraine was ready to embrace its European path—an intolerable prospect for Russia—Putin decided to annex Crimea and invade Donbas to punish Ukraine for its desire to belong to Europe. Despite the hybrid war Russia waged against Ukraine, Ukraine never abandoned its European aspirations and continued reforming and modernizing with the ambition of becoming a European Union member.
On February 24, 2022, the very idea of a democratic, independent, and European Ukraine was unbearable to Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion.
Despite this, Ukraine not only resisted but thrived, and the historic achievement of obtaining EU candidate status in June 2022 was a recognition by European partners of Ukraine’s efforts toward Europe, including significant reforms made while facing Russian aggression.
In November 2023, the European Commission gave a favorable opinion to open accession negotiations, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen even congratulating Ukraine for fulfilling all of the initial 2022 requirements and highlighting impressive progress in the judicial and anti-corruption fields.
The European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations demonstrates the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine. It also acknowledges the sacrifices and efforts made by the Ukrainian people to defend European principles and ideals.
Stand With Ukraine is thrilled by this historic advancement, a step closer to Ukraine’s long-awaited integration into the European Union. We will continue to actively work toward making Ukraine’s EU membership a concrete reality before the end of the decade.
