Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Chairman says Russia’s War in Ukraine strengthens EU’s argument for further expansion

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 has sparked a renewed push for European Union expansion, with hopes of admitting new members by 2030, according to European Council President Charles Michel. As the EU commemorates the 20th anniversary of its “Big Bang” enlargement in 2004, which added 10 countries to the bloc, Michel emphasized the need for unity in the face of geopolitical challenges.

Michel highlighted the economic progress made by the 2004 accession countries, with their GDP per capita now at 80% of the EU average, up from half in the past. The current applicants for EU membership include six Balkan countries, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, with Ukraine being the largest prospective member due to its population of 40 million and significant agricultural sector.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has given new momentum to the EU enlargement strategy, with Michel stressing the importance of reforms and readiness for expansion by 2030. While some concerns exist about the economic implications of admitting a large country like Ukraine, Michel emphasized the potential for the EU to increase its international influence through enlargement.

As the EU navigates the complexities of potential new members and the aftermath of the Ukraine war, Michel underscored the need for special transition arrangements for Kyiv and careful consideration of Ukraine’s population and agricultural exports. The EU aims not only to grow in size but also to enhance its global impact through expansion.

Taylor Swifts New Album Release Health issues from using ACs Boston Marathon 2024 15 Practical Ways To Save Money