A new cross-party initiative proposes prioritising security ties with Ukraine before full EU accession, arguing that immediate defence cooperation could deliver faster results.
Europe cannot afford to wait for Ukraine to join the EU fully in order to confirm its defense capability and its ability to help the continent in defense, given its proven combat experience in the region.
The Lithuanian Member of the European Parliament Rasa Yuknyavichenene (European People’s Party) expressed this position in an exclusive comment after an informal group of MEPs appeared in the European Parliament calling for the creation of an autonomous European Defence Union, notably with Ukraine.
A Look at Where to Start Integration
«A very good idea to discuss even a new agreement between member states and those who are not, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and especially Ukraine, because the process of integration into the European Union can be very complex – due to agriculture and other issues, as well as lengthy negotiations. And we are in a situation where we have no time to wait. We must achieve results»
– Rasa Yuknyavichenene
She added that Ukraine is of extraordinary importance to Europe as a whole from a defense standpoint, so it is prudent to consider the possibility of starting with defense, and only then moving toward broader integration.
«That is why I believe the best prospect is to start with defense, and then integration will take place in any other areas»
– Rasa Yuknyavichenene
When asked whether the concept of a European Defence Union could truly find the proper response from the European Commission and the governments of the member states, she replied: “As the Bible says, in the beginning was the Word. So, first of all, we must voice this idea.”
«As the Bible says, in the beginning was the Word. So, first of all, we must voice this idea»
– Rasa Yuknyavichenene
She also noted that the path to a defense union will not be easy, as the European Parliament has not yet formed a clear vision of what the future European Defence Union should look like. According to her, the group of MEPs was created precisely to start these debates.
As part of the initiative, several dozen Members of the European Parliament from four political groups – the EPP, S&D, Renew, and the Greens – announced the launch of a network calling for the creation of an autonomous European Defence Union, including with Ukraine.
After some discussions, proponents concluded: the future defense community should be regarded as a priority in the first phase of integration with the EU, and only then should the framework for cooperation in other areas be expanded.
Therefore, the concept of a defense union continues to gain momentum as a potential step to strengthen Europe’s security and closer cooperation with Ukraine within the framework of joint defense efforts.