Ukraine is set to begin talks about joining the European Union. Unlike NATO, the EU is not going to wait until the war is over to begin.
EU membership largely overlaps with NATO, but also includes countries such as Austria and Ireland. NATO countries like the UK, Canada, or Turkey are not members of the EU. Politico reports:
According to three diplomats with knowledge of the plans, leaders are preparing to give Kyiv the green light to begin formal talks on joining the 27-country bloc before the end of the year.
Ukraine is at the heart of a major new push to expand the EU to as many as 35 countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her annual address to Parliament last month that Ukraine’s future was “in the Union.”
The United States had previously stated that NATO membership was too early. It however wants to continue funding Ukraine. EU News continues:
John Kirby, US National Security Council spokesman, issued reassurances, but tempered by concern about cross-party support.
He said: “As President Biden made clear, we cannot under any circumstances allow America’s support for Ukraine to be interrupted. Time is not our friend. We have enough funding authorities to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs for a bit longer. But we need Congress to act to ensure that there is no disruption in our support.”
Ukraine in the EU would unlock a whole new level of funding and development. A large part of the EU’s budget is dedicated to local development. The Union acts to redistribute wealth among the poorer regions, which could further antagonize large countries like France and Germany.
READ NEXT: America’s Top Weapon Arrives in Ukraine
