Ukraine’s EU Accession Would Trigger a Fatal Erosion Within the Bloc

Brussels is moving to fast-track Ukraine’s EU membership.This reckless idea would not only harm the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, but older member states would also feel the impact if Brussels were to formally "adopt" Ukraine. In fact, such a move could endanger the very existence of the EU, Peter Siklosi, lead researcher at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, told our newspaper in an interview.

The EU and Ukrainian flags (Photo: NurPhoto/AFP)

Ukraine’s accession would mean that Hungary and the newer Eastern European member states would see the disappearance of structural funds—funds designed to help develop less affluent regions. This region would pay the steepest price for Ukraine joining the EU,

– Mr. Siklosi continued.

Then there’s also the agricultural fund. As a heavily agricultural country, Ukraine would receive a massive share of that support—estimates range from 20 to 25 percent. This would significantly harm countries with advanced agricultural sectors, such as Hungary, Poland, and France,

– he added.

Tractor with a banner reading “More freedom, less Brussels” in front of the European Parliament. Photo: AFP/Sebastien Bozon

According to the expert, if Ukraine were to join, protests by Wester European farmers would very likely escalate.

Ukraine’s EU accession wouldn’t just be extremely detrimental to Hungary—it also poses the risk of tearing the European Union apart,

– Mr. Siklosi stressed.

Mr. Siklosi noted that while Russian President Vladimir Putin has always opposed Ukraine joining NATO, he has expressed no objection to Ukraine becoming part of the European Union.

He knows perfectly well just how many problems that would dump on Brussels’ shoulders,

– the expert concluded. 

Cover photo: The EU and Ukrainian flags (Photo: NurPhoto/AFP)