Accelerated European Integration of Ukraine Is a Common Interest for Both Sides

Ukraine is on the verge of a historic rapprochement with the European Union. Accelerated European integration has become not only a strategic priority for Kyiv but also a common opportunity for both sides to strengthen the economy, security, and political stability in the region. Will it be possible to take the first strategic steps in 2025?

In 2025, Ukraine is at a crucial stage in its relations with the European Union. Kyiv is actively negotiating the expansion of economic and security cooperation, while moving towards negotiations on full membership in the EU.

Joining the EU is a priority supported by the vast majority of Ukrainian society and leading political forces. Ukraine's reform efforts, including the harmonization of its legal framework with EU norms, have been underway for several years and have become an important factor in building trust between Brussels and Kyiv.

Now the focus is on security issues and mutual adjustment of economic policies. At the beginning of the year, Ukraine initiated expanded consultations with the EU on defense issues, including the involvement of NATO representatives. At the same time, in the economic sphere, Ukraine seeks to maintain preferential trade conditions with the EU and expand its presence in the European common market, which is important for the restoration of Ukrainian industry and agricultural development.

Candidate Status and Public Consensus

Thanks to the targeted efforts of Ukrainian diplomacy and the scope of reforms implemented, Ukraine received the official status of a candidate for EU membership, which was a strong confirmation of its movement in the direction of European integration. A consensus has been formed in society: regardless of political views, Ukraine's future lies in the European family of nations. And this is not only a matter of foreign policy, but also a path to profound economic transformation and sustainable development.

The political elite voices a common position that intensification of membership negotiations in 2025 is necessary to fix clear outlines of the future for both the state and business. The latter has had time to make sure that European integration means not only increased competition, but also opening up prospects for attracting investment and entering a wider market.

Hungarian Veto: Artificial Problem or Political Leverage?

Despite the overwhelming support among EU members for the idea of opening negotiations with Ukraine, no decision was made at the March meeting of the European Council. The stumbling block was the position of Hungary, which claims that the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia are allegedly being violated. However, the motives of the Hungarian leadership may be broader, including the influence of the Russian leadership on Hungary's position.

Overcoming the veto is possible. Within the European Union, there are increasingly frequent proposals to move from the principle of unanimity to a qualified majority in key foreign policy and security decisions. Such an approach would help avoid blackmail by individual states that use the veto to promote their narrow interests. Relevant debates have already taken place in 2023-2024, when a similar scenario was considered due to the position of other countries on EU enlargement.

In the context of Hungary's blocking of Ukraine's accession negotiations, this mechanism is gaining new momentum – a number of member states and key players, such as France and Germany, are openly advocating for legal ways to start negotiations with Ukraine without the consent of individual countries. This possibility involves the use of special procedures within the EU Council or a series of political arrangements that could limit the negative impact of a veto.

Economics of European Integration

European integration is not only the ultimate goal of full membership, but also a long-term process of deep economic rapprochement. Since June 2022, Ukrainian producers have been able to operate without export quotas, which has given them access to large EU markets and helped modernize their enterprises. However, some quotas were later returned, and now there is a possibility that, from June 5, 2025, there will be a large-scale resumption of trade restrictions on almost all commodity items.

Ukrainian business does not require additional preferences or subsidies, but expects equal access to the EU market to be maintained so that it can compete with its European counterparts on the same basis. The imposition of protective duties would send a negative political signal to Ukraine. The trust that has been built between the parties over several years could be undermined if Kyiv sees the EU's actions as a willingness to quickly revise trade preferences.

Acting as a single economic space, the European Union has significant tools to regulate imports and exports. If, due to internal political debates or pressure from farmers' lobbies, restrictions on Ukrainian exports are reintroduced in some EU member states, this could have a double whammy.

On the one hand, Ukrainian producers who have already invested in production lines will find themselves in a difficult position because they will not be able to sell their products on traditional markets. On the other hand, the EU's image as a reliable partner supporting Ukraine's economy in a difficult time of war will suffer.

Politically, this will send a signal to Ukrainian society: if, even after enormous efforts to reform the country and bring it closer to EU legislation, markets can still be closed, then confidence in integration prospects will decline. Given that a large number of Ukrainians have experienced the war-related crisis and had high hopes for the European vector, such a development could cause rapid disappointment.

The Security Component and the Changing Global Context

In addition to economic arguments, the European Union is focusing on security challenges. In 2025, the U.S. administration took a more cautious stance on funding international defense programs, which has increased the EU's responsibility to support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

Ukraine is acting as a shield, deterring the Russian army from further advancing toward the EU's borders. In recent positive news, EU countries will be able to purchase weapons for Ukraine through the new SAFE loan program, and Germany and Norway have tripled their spending for Ukraine in 2025.

The Ukrainian army, having the most up-to-date combat experience, can share the practices of modern warfare, the use of high-tech systems, and the management of extensive military structures. This is a unique contribution that Kyiv can make to strengthening European security. 

Since the beginning of the full-scale conflict with Russia, Ukraine has made a huge leap forward in military planning and the development of its defense industry. Thanks to the large-scale deployment of international military assistance and Ukraine's own investments in the production of equipment and weapons, the Ukrainian security forces have already acquired qualities that make them an attractive partner for NATO member states. Joint military exercises, mutual use of infrastructure, and technology exchange strengthen the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and Europe.

Kyiv's potential participation in the EU's future collective security system implies close integration both at the level of command and logistics and in the production of military equipment. This is not just a formal status, but specific defense programs in which Ukrainian experience will be taken into account and transformed into a common doctrine. For the EU, this is a way to significantly accelerate the formation of an effective defense capability in light of current threats, and for Ukraine, it is a real opportunity to become an integral part of European security.

Symbolic and Practical Value of Membership Negotiations in 2025

The opening of negotiations on Ukraine's full membership in the EU in 2025 would send a powerful political and symbolic signal. First of all, it would confirm the irreversibility of Ukraine's European course and support domestic political stability in a country at war. Secondly, it will strengthen the confidence of international investors who are closely monitoring the progress of reforms in the country and the existence of clear prospects in relations with the EU.

The parallel opening of negotiations on several clusters will allow a number of issues to be quickly moved forward, including justice, competition, financial services, and agriculture. It will also send a clear warning to Moscow: The EU not only supports Ukraine, but also gives it a real chance to gain a foothold in the European space, where Russia is not allowed to enter.

Ukraine's accelerated European integration is beneficial for all participants in this process. For Kyiv, it is an opportunity to strengthen its economy, gain access to advanced technologies and European investments, and secure a reliable security rear.

For the European Union, the integration of such a large-scale partner means expanding its internal market, strengthening its defense component, and demonstrating global subjectivity, especially amid the uncertainty of American politics.

Ukraine has already conducted a complex audit of its legislation and brought it closer to European standards in preparation for formal membership negotiations. The opening of these negotiations in 2025 will be a historic moment when both sides will back up years of cooperation with a political decision and confirm their commitment to moving forward together.

At a time when security and economic challenges are coming to the fore, the mutual benefits are clear: a stable and pro-European Ukraine is a reliable partner that strengthens the unity and defense of the entire continent.

Igor Popov, Political and Security Studies Specialist, expert at the United Ukraine Think Tank