Policy

A Gesture of Support or a Political Maneuver: What is Behind the Idea of Ukraine’s “Partial Membership” in the EU?

ANALYSIS FROM

Former President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker proposed a “partial membership” for Ukraine in the EU. According to the idea, Ukraine could participate in some of the EU’s internal processes and meetings, but without voting rights. Is this a realistic prospect? Commenting on the initiative, Igar Tyshkevych, an expert on foreign and domestic policy at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, noted that this idea is more symbolic than practical. For more details, see the article Komersant ukrainskyi.

European policy: between “yes” and “no”. This is how political analyst Igar Tyshkevych characterizes the following partial proposals from the EU in his exclusive commentary.

“The EU cannot politically say ‘no’ to Ukraine, because it would contradict its declared support for Ukraine. But it is also impossible to say ‘yes’ now, as Ukraine is in a state of war,” explained Tyshkevych.

In his opinion, the concept of “partial membership” looks like an attempt to find a political compromise to support Ukraine without making a final decision.

“Partial membership” – a gesture or a realistic scenario?

Igar Tyshkevych also expressed skepticism about the very concept of “partial membership”.

“What does this concept mean? In practice, it is something like ‘a little pregnant’. We can participate in some processes, but without any real leverage. It’s more like a symbolic step to say, “We are with you,” but not to commit to full membership. No one knows how exactly this will work,” Tyshkevych explained.

Is Ukraine ready for integration?

The expert emphasized that the path to the EU inevitably involves deep internal changes.

“The European Union means certain standards of decision-making and functioning of state institutions. When the war is over, the question will arise: what about our reforms? What about the courts? The reform has been going on for years, and how much more time is needed? What about the police? What about taxes? Do we now have a system that meets EU standards? Without these changes, it is impossible to talk about full membership,” said Igar Tyshkevych.

What has history taught us?

The expert reminded that Ukraine should take into account the experience of other countries that have been waiting for decades for EU integration.

“Let’s look at Turkey. How long did it wait? And still its status in the EU remains uncertain. This is a lesson for us: either we meet the criteria and get real membership, or we remain in limbo,” Tyshkevych said.

Thus, the idea of “partial membership” is more about finding temporary solutions than a new form of cooperation. However, it is an important signal of the EU’s readiness to support Ukraine even in difficult times.

Ideas of Ukraine’s “partial membership” in the EU are unproductive, – Stefanishyna

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna considers the idea of Ukraine’s “partial membership” in the European Union unacceptable. In her opinion, only Ukraine’s full integration can significantly strengthen the EU’s security and defense capabilities.

“Ukraine will become a full member of the European Union. This has been repeatedly confirmed by both the EU and the leaders of its member states. It is also legally enshrined in the EU’s decision to open negotiations,” Stefanishyna said.

Commenting on the initiative of former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on “partial membership,” the Vice Prime Minister emphasized that such proposals do not meet Ukraine’s ambitions and the spirit of EU enlargement.

Integration is already underway

Stefanishyna noted that Ukraine is actively working on sectoral integration, which will allow it to take advantage of all the benefits of participation in the EU’s internal market even before official accession.

“The European Commission supports our aspirations. Together we are developing a list of concrete steps and measures to deepen integration. But the idea of ‘partial membership’ is not productive. They can undermine both the spirit and goals of EU enlargement,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

Reforms for a European future

The Vice Prime Minister reminded that even in the midst of war, Ukraine has accelerated reforms, particularly in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption.

Stefanishyna also emphasized that EU enlargement is not only about development, but also about strengthening Europe’s security and geopolitical influence.

“EU enlargement has become a key factor in strengthening security. Ukraine is an integral part of this process. Our accession will strengthen the EU’s defense capabilities and its resilience in the world,” the Deputy Prime Minister summarized.

These statements once again confirm Ukraine’s aspirations for full European integration, which is of strategic importance for both Kyiv and Brussels.

Author – Anastasia Fedor