Ireland Aims for Rapid Advancement of Ukraine's EU Membership Bid
Government wants to make ‘swift progress’ on Ukraine’s EU bid

Image: The Irish Times
Ireland plans to expedite negotiations for Ukraine's EU membership during its presidency of the EU Council from July to December 2023. The government aims to prioritize Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro's accession processes, amidst renewed urgency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- 01Ireland will hold the EU Council presidency from July 1 to December 31, 2023, focusing on EU enlargement.
- 02The government aims to finalize negotiations for Montenegro's EU membership and advance talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
- 03Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia's invasion in 2022, seeking to fast-track its accession.
- 04Concerns remain among EU member states, including France and the Netherlands, regarding the speed of Ukraine's integration.
- 05The last EU enlargement occurred in 2013, with Croatia being the most recent member.
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The Irish Government is set to push for swift progress on Ukraine's application to join the European Union during its upcoming presidency of the EU Council from July to December 2023. A draft policy document outlines Ireland's ambition to facilitate the first EU enlargement in over a decade, focusing on Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro. The government aims to finalize Montenegro's accession negotiations, which began in 2008, potentially allowing the country to join the EU by 2028. The urgency for EU expansion has increased following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many candidate countries expressing frustration over previous delays in negotiations. While there is broad support for Ukraine's bid, significant concerns from major EU powers like France and the Netherlands about hastening the process remain. The European Commission is expected to propose opening the first negotiating chapters for Ukraine next month, marking a pivotal moment in the EU's enlargement agenda.
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The EU's enlargement could reshape regional dynamics and enhance security in Eastern Europe.
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