The document discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine and its implications for European Union (EU) policy. The main points are:
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Ukraine's Adhesion Request: President Volodymyr Zelenski's request for immediate EU membership, made shortly after Russia's invasion, has received mixed responses. The European Parliament has been more supportive, urging institutions to grant candidate status, while the European Council was more cautious, acknowledging differing opinions and sensitivities.
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EU's Challenges: The EU faces challenges in achieving consensus on sensitive decisions like those related to the war. Despite positive reactions from EU officials, there is uncertainty about how long it will take for the Commission to issue an opinion on Ukraine's application, potentially leading to years of waiting.
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Possible Solutions: The document suggests that the current EU membership process might not be suitable for Ukraine's situation. It proposes a new approach, such as creating a 'Union Amplified' or 'Confederation', which would include all 27 EU member states plus other European neighbors. This would allow for greater flexibility and cooperation beyond the traditional EU framework.
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Proposed Structure: This 'Union Amplified' would consist of 36 countries including all current EU members, as well as countries like Georgia, Moldova, and the Balkan states. It would operate alongside the current EU structure, providing a larger platform for political dialogue without altering the functioning of the existing union.
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Challenges and Questions: The proposal raises several questions around membership obligations, benefits, and costs. It also touches upon the future of Ukraine's request for EU membership, suggesting that the focus should be on post-war reconstruction and ensuring peace, which may involve extending mutual defense clauses.
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Russo-EU Relations: The document acknowledges that addressing the situation with Russia remains a significant challenge for the EU. It highlights Emmanuel Macron's proposal for a European Political Community, which could potentially offer a new framework for dealing with non-EU countries like Russia.
In summary, the text explores the complexities and potential solutions surrounding Ukraine's integration into the EU, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches given the current geopolitical landscape and the challenges posed by the war.
