Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has voiced his concerns about Ukraine’s readiness to join the European Union, advocating for a limited form of membership instead of full-fledged integration.
In an interview with Euronews, Juncker emphasized the need for caution when admitting new countries into the EU, citing corruption, economic instability, and insufficient state structures as major obstacles for Ukraine.
Juncker proposed a second-tier membership for Ukraine, granting access to the single market and participation in key debates but withholding voting rights within the European Council. This model would allow Ukraine to engage with the EU while ensuring it does not fully participate in decision-making processes until it demonstrates the necessary political and economic stability.
A Cautious Approach to Expansion
Juncker’s caution is rooted in past experiences with newer member states, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, which have faced criticism for undermining the rule of law. Reflecting on his tenure as European Commission President from 2014 to 2019, Juncker admitted he regretted not taking a firmer stance on these issues. “We treated the situation with benign neglect,” he acknowledged, stressing the importance of strict adherence to the rule of law as a cornerstone of European integration.
His comments come amid growing debate about EU enlargement, especially in light of Ukraine’s application for membership, submitted just days after Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
While EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, have expressed support for Ukraine’s bid, Juncker’s reservations highlight the challenges of rapid expansion, especially when existing rule-of-law issues remain unresolved within the bloc.
A Two-Tier Membership Proposal
Juncker’s proposal for a second-tier membership suggests a nuanced approach to integration. Under his plan, Ukraine would gain access to the single market and participate in important discussions affecting the EU, but it would not have voting rights at the European Council, where key decisions are made by all 27 member states.
“No vote in the Council, but participation in European debates on issues of interest and concern for Ukraine,” Juncker explained, emphasizing that this model would keep Ukraine engaged and motivated without granting it full membership privileges.
This approach, he argued, would strike a balance between showing Ukraine that it is on the path to membership while ensuring the EU does not compromise its internal cohesion or decision-making processes. “We don’t want to give them the impression they are far away from membership but show they are on the way… without having all the rights and all the possibilities of real membership,” he stated.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Juncker’s cautious stance is informed by the EU’s challenges with Hungary and Slovakia, where breaches of the rule of law have sparked tensions between national governments and EU institutions. He admitted that the European Commission could have been more assertive in upholding EU standards, noting, “You have to be very strict… when it comes to the respect of rule of law. It’s of the essence of European unification and integration.”
This experience shapes his perspective on Ukraine’s membership bid, as he emphasizes the importance of not repeating past mistakes. By advocating for a phased or conditional approach to membership, Juncker suggests the EU can better manage integration challenges while supporting Ukraine’s reform efforts.
Balancing Security and Integration
Juncker’s remarks come as Ukraine continues its push for EU membership amid the ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian leaders see EU accession as a crucial security guarantee, with hopes of joining the bloc by 2030. However, Juncker’s proposal for limited membership underscores the complexities of balancing political support for Ukraine with the practical challenges of EU integration.
While EU leaders have expressed solidarity with Ukraine, Juncker’s call for a more measured approach highlights the potential risks of rapid expansion, particularly if existing member states continue to challenge EU norms and values. His suggestion for a two-tier system provides a possible pathway for Ukraine to deepen its ties with Europe while maintaining the integrity of EU institutions.
Looking Ahead
Juncker’s perspective adds a critical voice to the ongoing debate about EU enlargement and the future of European integration. By advocating for caution and conditional membership, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining EU cohesion and the rule of law while supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations.
As Ukraine continues its reform efforts and the EU navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, Juncker’s proposal for a limited membership model could offer a pragmatic solution that balances support for Ukraine with the need for stability within the European Union.
