accession

Ukraine is going through a crucial period in its history, continuing its path toward joining the European Union despite a full-scale invasion. It is not a surprise that so much attention is drawn to this process both within Ukraine and beyond its borders. That is why Bendukidze Free Market Center and the Institute of Economic Research and Political Consultations launched the project \"Monitoring Ukraine\'s Accession Into the EU\".

2004 was a historical moment that welcomed Central Europe back after an era of Soviet yoke. The accession required great effort from all parties involved and, despite many obstacles, it was deemed a success. Yet, integration remains incomplete with respect to membership in the Schengen Zone and Euro Area.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has repeatedly expressed her support for Ukraine and its path to the European Union. However, at the same time, she pointed out how long and difficult this path will be.

Georgia decided to be a member of the European Union that would be accepted by both the EU as a whole and its members. What can attract Georgians to the EU is life protected by means of civil, political and economic rights, better quality of life, medical services, or education.

Croatia has been on quite a journey – from the initiation of its European Union accession process in 2000, to its 10th anniversary celebration as a full EU member in 2023. The accession process involved overcoming historical challenges, such as transitioning from socialism, defending against aggression, and addressing issues related to war crimes and reconciliation.

The team from Liberte, the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting and Bendukidze Free Market Center, with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, continue to monitor Ukraine\'s progress or regression on its path to the EU on a monthly basis.

In this episode, we talk about the rule of law conditionality vis-à-vis EU candidate countries, why the EU was unable to discipline its member states on the rule of law issues, what is the way forward for the new European Commission on the rule of law, and why member states should be engaged in this process.

At the NATO summit in Madrid, the decision was finally made to agree to the accession of new members: Sweden and Finland. In recent weeks, the presidents of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, and Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have emerged as the biggest opponents of expanding the alliance to include the Nordic countries.

The conclusions of the ECB’s report is that establishing an environment that favors a steady convergence requires policies aiming at economic stability, as well as wide structural reforms. This statement holds regardless of whether we will adopt the Euro or not.

This week, Ukrainian President Zelensky signed an official application for membership of the European Union on behalf of his citizens. Commission President Von der Leyen stated that Ukraine’s place is in the EU and the European Parliament adopted a call for EU candidate status.