In turn, Sweden and Denmark support faster movement and advocate for the completion of negotiations in the coming years.
France, Germany, Netherlands and Italy oppose accelerated Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. According to “Sudovo-Yurydychna Gazeta“, Politico reports this with reference to sources. The PromPolitInform portal informs.
These countries fear that EU enlargement may strengthen the positions of populists and lead to difficult national referendums.
In particular, in France, the topic of Ukraine’s accession may strengthen the positions of right-wingers, such as Jordan Bardella. In his campaigns, he may speculate on the topic of Ukraine’s accession, arguing that it is a risk for jobs and costs for the budget.
The EU also remembers the experience of the 2004 enlargement. Then, before Poland’s accession, Western countries actively discussed the risk of “cheap labor” that could displace local workers.
A separate reason is the experience with Hungary. After joining, the country was repeatedly criticized for problems with democracy, ties with Russia and blocking EU decisions, in particular regarding support for Ukraine.
France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy also insist that the accession process should remain “merit-based” and cannot be accelerated for geopolitical reasons.
However, Sweden and Denmark support a faster movement and advocate for the completion of negotiations in the coming years.
