Candidate status for Ukraine is a significant decision
The European Union must finally develop its own foreign and security policy. The European Council’s decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova is a correct decision that is warmly welcomed by the Paneuropa Movement Austria. For Ukraine, this status is also a mandate to unconditionally continue the necessary reforms.
“For years, we have demanded that the neighbourhood policy for Ukraine be changed into a concrete accession policy,” emphasises the Secretary General of the Paneuropa Movement Austria, Rainhard Kloucek, adding: “European integration must be open to all European countries!”
“In particular, the 2013/2014 Revolution of Dignity,” says Karl von Habsburg, President of the Paneuropa Movement Austria, “was a clear expression of Ukraine’s European orientation. In its heroic defensive struggle against Russian aggression, Ukraine is defending not only its own country, but also Western democracy against despotism.”
The granting of EU candidate status is significant not only for Ukraine, but also for the European Union itself. “Candidate status is an opportunity for the EU to finally work out the actual dimension of the integration process once again: to create a European area of freedom and security in which a market economy and the rule of law prevail, and in which Europe pursues an independent foreign and security policy in order to be able to act strongly on a global level,” says Habsburg.
Alongside the joy over the status for Ukraine and Moldova, Europe must not forget the countries of South-East Europe, which were promised accession as far back as 2003.
“A massive amount of trust has already been squandered in the region due to permanent blockades,” emphasises Paneuropa Vice-President Stefan Haböck, warning: “If the six Western Balkan states are not given the opportunity to make progress by the EU states, they will turn away from Europe!” The years-long blockade of North Macedonia or the visa liberalisation for Kosovo, which has still not taken place, are cited as negative examples.
© Featured image: European Union 2022 Lukasz Kobus
