Ukraine’s New Status as EU ‘Candidate Member’ a Dangerous Game to Play

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a working session of G-7 leaders via video link in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 27, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters

Commentary

The European Council has now accepted the applications of Ukraine and Moldova to become “candidate member” countries of the European Union (EU). The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, welcoming the award of candidate membership, described it as “a unique and historic moment” in his country’s relationship with the 27 members of the EU and that “Ukraine’s future is within the EU.”