Ukraine's EU Membership: European Perspectives and Security Implications

Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen argues that Ukraine's membership in the European Union (EU) is crucial for lasting peace and stability in Europe. He highlights the success of previous EU enlargements in strengthening democracy and bringing stability to the Eastern flank. Rasmussen urges European leaders to recognize Ukraine's clear commitment to European values and its efforts to meet the conditions for membership negotiations. He warns against appeasing Russian President Vladimir Putin and calls on EU leaders to reject Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's potential veto, emphasizing that Ukraine's accession would expand Europe's industrial base, strengthen the single market, and contribute to Europe's security architecture. Rasmussen concludes that opening membership negotiations with Ukraine would send a strong message to Putin and ensure a future worth fighting for.