Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Maksym Kononenko, took part in the panel "The future of EU enlargement" at the conference "Our choice and Its consequences: 20 Years in the EU", held at the University of Tartu on the occasion of Europe Day (May 09^th, 2024).

The discussion participants focused on the following important issues: the key challenges of Ukraine's accession process to the EU, particularly in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion, our country's contribution to shaping the European Union of tomorrow, and the normative and/or geopolitical nature of the enlargement process.

In his speech at the event, Maksym Kononenko noted: «Ukraine's bid for EU membership, following the russian full scale invasion reinvigorated the enlargement discourse. It marked a shift in the EU’s approach, underlining our values and resilience in supporting aspiring nations. 

The stagnation in enlargement policy experienced prior to Ukraine's application for EU membership highlighted the need for renewed vision and commitment.

In light of the growing russian threat to European peace and stability, an enhanced enlargement policy remains the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal.

The accession of new countries to the EU is mutually beneficial for both the Union itself and its member states. This entails the development of innovation, both public and private investment, improved infrastructure, the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people, higher standards, and increased opportunities.»

The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of EU unity in supporting Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor, preserving democratic values and establishing peace in Europe:

«European unity has always been an effective tool for European integration. Today, the same European unity in providing military aid to Ukraine, political support for the movement towards Ukraine's membership in the EU can become a powerful weapon in the fight against the aggressor.

Today, as Europeans, we have a historic mission to secure peace in Europe and the future of the European Union as a guarantor of peace. This is a key moment, and now more than ever, we must affirm that in the face of threats to democracy on the continent, the EU is stronger and more united than ever.»