Ukraine’s accession to the European Union hangs in the balance, as negotiators struggle to maintain momentum amid growing concern that both domestic and international actors are sowing doubt among Ukrainians regarding Europe’s commitments. This apprehension is especially pronounced following Lithuania’s stark warning to other EU members: “tangible progress” on Ukraine’s membership bid is crucial for maintaining the Union’s credibility, reports 24brussels.
Since the commencement of negotiations in June, there has been little advancement. A memo from Lithuania emphasizes that the EU’s inability to meet Ukraine’s expectations, particularly in response to implemented reforms, has provided ammunition for those undermining Kyiv’s confidence in Europe. To rectify this, Lithuania has urged Denmark to host discussions in Copenhagen as early as September, potentially advancing negotiations for both Ukraine and Moldova as a unified bloc if Hungary opts out.
Hungary has stalled Ukraine’s accession for months under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose veto poses a significant challenge. The Lithuanian memo hints at a desire for political change in Hungary, suggesting that legal groundwork should progress regardless of Hungary’s status, with the aim of formalizing membership once there is renewed support from the EU27, especially as Hungary heads into pivotal elections in 2026.
Since gaining candidate status in 2022, Ukraine has pursued advanced reforms pertaining to its judiciary, oligarchs, and minority rights in a bid to boost its EU candidacy. Despite facing setbacks, including a recent backtrack on anti-corruption agency independence following public pressure, Ukraine continues to strive toward integration.
For Lithuania, which understands the stakes intimately due to its history of Soviet occupation, Ukraine’s survival is paramount for its own security. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius recently declared, “Your victorious fight… will be written into history textbooks for thousands of years to come,” bolstering spirits among Ukrainians gathered in Brussels to commemorate Ukraine’s independence anniversary. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, expressed his confidence in Ukraine’s impending EU membership.
However, the enlargement issue is not the only focus for European leaders; they are also deeply engaged in transatlantic relations. Recent trips to Washington have emphasized securing post-war security guarantees for Ukraine while countering potential influences from figures like Donald Trump, who may pursue a rapprochement with Russia.
On another front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently called for peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Budapest—ironically, a city obstructing Ukraine’s EU ambitions—proposed as a potential venue, which could interestingly also involve Trump.
Von der Leyen Defends Tariff Deal Amid Criticism
Ursula von der Leyen has responded to criticism regarding her tariff deal with the United States in an op-ed featured in El Mundo. The European Commission President described the agreement as a strategic move to prevent a trade war, asserting that the EU is the sole trading partner benefiting from a capped 15% tariff rate on exports to America. She contended that only nations like Russia and China would have welcomed a failure to reach an agreement.
Von der Leyen’s defense follows pointed remarks from former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi at the Rimini Meeting, highlighting that Europe’s economic influence does not automatically translate into geopolitical leverage. Draghi remarked that 2023 should be remembered as the year “illusion evaporated,” criticizing the EU’s response to various international challenges, including its position on Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. His comments emphasized that only deeper integration within the EU can restore the bloc’s global standing.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to conclude the Rimini event on Wednesday, furthering discussions on the future direction of the EU.
Potential Protests Emerge in France
Mark September 10 as a date to watch: a burgeoning “block everything” movement has begun to take root in France. Supported by left-wing activists and the Sud-Rail union, this campaign is pressuring Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government amid recent austerity measures involving €44 billion in budget cuts.
This grassroots initiative, fueled by TikTok and the left-leaning La France Insoumise party of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, is gaining traction, with around 10,000 followers across social media platforms. However, the movement’s demands are diverse, ranging from pay increases to the government’s resignation, proposing a variety of tactics including strikes, boycotts, roadblocks, and potential occupations of public spaces.
European Capitals: A Snapshot of Current Events
THE HAGUE: Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned on Friday amidst a political crisis following his party’s withdrawal from the coalition over a failure to gain support for sanctions against Israel, amplifying instability ahead of October’s elections.
ROME: Italy’s foreign policy tensions heightened as Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani distanced the government from Deputy PM Matteo Salvini’s controversial remarks on EU troops in Ukraine, emphasizing diplomacy over ridicule. This clash could jeopardize Meloni’s months-long effort to repair diplomatic relations with France.
PARIS: Tensions with the United States escalated as France summoned Ambassador Charles Kushner following his critique of Paris’ efforts against antisemitism, exacerbated by recognition of Palestine by the French government.
BRUSSELS: A stabbing here left one individual critically injured following a pro-Palestinian demonstration; police have confirmed an arrest but have not disclosed further details regarding the motive.
WARSAW: A recent poll indicates that approximately 71% of Poles oppose awarding Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his actions in the Middle East as insufficient grounds for such an honor.
LONDON: Former Brexit leader Nigel Farage announced plans for “mass deportations” of migrants should his Reform UK party assume power, highlighting intentions to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.
Also on the Agenda
French Streamer’s Death Tests EU Law—The tragic death of French streamer Raphaël Graven has raised questions regarding the EU’s content moderation regulations, revealing gaps within the enforcement of the Digital Services Act amidst the lack of regulatory oversight on platforms like Kick.
Opinion Piece: Greater EU Cohesion Needed Against Russian Aggression—Juraj Majcin of the European Policy Centre argues for increased unity within the EU to counteract Russia’s nuclear threats, stressing the urgency of action beyond mere declarations.
