An EU envoy warned that enlargement often sparks economic anxieties and could prompt temporary sectoral measures. The issue will require targeted negotiations and time to adapt.
Each stage of EU enlargement is accompanied by concerns about rising competition in key sectors of the economy, but the European Commission promises to focus on addressing such issues.
This was stated by the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Maternova, during an interview.
«Economic anxieties have accompanied each stage of the EU enlargement. There is nothing extraordinary about that»
– Katarina Maternova
Economic Concerns and EU Responses
She cited examples: the history of Spain and Portugal joining, when French and Italian winemakers voiced concerns. She also mentioned the 2004 enlargement of ten countries, when Europeans worried about the excessive recruitment of workers from the new member states – notably Polish plumbers and Czech truck drivers.
«So, when big changes happen, economic concerns always arise. By the way, there has been no new enlargement of the European Union since 2013, since Croatia joined. So it is all quite natural»
– Katarina Maternova
In response to the question she emphasized that after removing the main obstacle in the form of Orbán’s government, concerns emerged among some member states, particularly regarding the impact of Ukraine’s powerful agricultural sector.
«It would be good if all sides understood this and addressed the existing problems. Ukraine is very competitive, and this understandably makes European farmers nervous. Here we will simply have to work on this issue»
– Katarina Maternova
Maternova also forecast the possibility of introducing certain temporary provisions related to specific sectors of the economy. At the same time she stressed that this would not diminish the overall value of EU enlargement for both sides if viewed in a broader context.
«But this will not devalue EU enlargement as a value for both sides if you look at the issue in general, even if temporary provisions are introduced in some areas»
– Katarina Maternova
The ambassador also recalled how during the 2004 enlargement, most EU members introduced seven-year temporary restrictions that did not allow free movement of workers. Citizens of new member states could travel, but did not have the right to work in most EU countries. The adaptation period has passed, and today this is regarded as history.
«Citizens of new member states could travel, but did not have the right to work in most EU countries. Seven years have passed, the adaptation period has ended, and now this is a matter of history, and no one even mentions it»
– Katarina Maternova
Maternova also named 2030 as a viable timetable for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
In summary, she stressed that discussions on shifts in Ukraine–EU relations will continue, focusing on the economic benefits for both sides and possible temporary regulatory measures that will preserve the overall momentum of integration.