EU’s Decision-Making on Ukraine’s Future: Impending Consensus or Veto?
Date: 2023-12-07 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: POLICY
EU's Financial Support: The Ukrainian Fund and its Impact
In the imminent European Council meeting, a pivotal decision will be made regarding the creation of the Ukrainian Fund, amounting to a staggering 50 billion euros. This fund's formation is critical for Ukraine's financial outlook, especially as the current Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA+) of 18 billion euros allocated by the EU for 2023 is nearing its end. The new program aims not only to bolster Ukraine's financial stability during wartime but also to attract external investments crucial for the nation's post-war recovery.
Membership Negotiations: Key to Expansion
Simultaneously, the initiation of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova stands as a pivotal move, unlocking the EU enlargement process that had been stagnating for nearly two decades, particularly concerning the Western Balkans.
Concerns and Potential Obstacles
However, approaching the summit has been marred by rising concerns. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s openly pro-Russian stance threatens to block both the Ukrainian Fund's establishment and the negotiation start with Ukraine, potentially obstructing further military aid through the European Peace Facility.
Additionally, recent political shifts in Slovakia and the Netherlands have raised alarm. Anti-Ukrainian sentiments within Slovakia's new government and the rise of right-wing forces in the Netherlands could significantly influence the stance of these countries, potentially impeding the European Council's decisions.
The Consensus Challenge
The EU's decision-making process relies solely on consensus among member state leaders, presenting a challenge where a single dissenting voice could derail these critical agreements. This stringent requirement highlights the complexity of EU democracy, simultaneously empowering and rendering the Union vulnerable to delays in essential decisions that shape its global influence.
