Ukraine wants to join the European Union and NATO, and demands that this process take place as soon as possible in the face of the Russian invasion. ButWhat does the integration of this country by emergency procedure mean? in the European bloc and the Atlantic Alliance in a context like the current one? The reading of this scenario is most interesting, since it could radically change the position of both structures in the face of said conflict, presenting a more active and, perhaps, more offensive position on the part of the West than that which has been seen to date. .
This is stated, first of all, in point seven of Article 42 of the EU Treaty: “If a Member State is the object of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States will owe it help and assistance with all the means at its disposal, in accordance with article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations”. That epigraph of the Charter of the UN reflects, precisely, that position: “No provision shall undermine the inherent right of self-defense, individual or collective, in the event of an armed attack against a Member of the United Nations”.
More blunt is NATO in this matteras shown in its Article 5: “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them, which takes place in Europe or in North America, will be considered as an attack directed against all of them, and consequently, they agree that if such an attack occurs, each of them […] shall assist the attacked Party or Parties, subsequently adopting, individually and in agreement with the other Parties, the measures it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore security in the North Atlantic area”.
Until now, both the European Union and NATO have rejected an active military position to deal with the Putin-orchestrated invasion, given that Ukraine does not belong to either of the two organizations. Thus, both structures have not gone beyond the shipment of weapons and the implementation of a sanctions package, among other measures, to curb the Russian president’s intentions, although these criteria could change if Ukraine is integrated into both forces. However, the processes for joining the EU and the Atlantic Alliance are far from easy.
Is immediate membership possible?
This Monday, the country’s president, Volodímir Zelénski, signed a document with which he formally requested the integration of his country into the group of Twenty-seven. With this request, in principle, the processes established by the European Treaties to examine a candidacy are activated; a process open to any European country that complies with and promotes the fundamental values of the EU. This is stated in Article 49 of the Treaty of the European Union: “Any European State that respects the values mentioned in Article 2 and undertakes to promote them may apply to become a member of the Union”.
Once this request has been published, “it will be reported” to the European Parliament and the national Parliaments”, details that Article 49, which adds: “The requesting State will address its request to the Council, which will decide unanimously after having consulted the the Commission and prior approval of the European Parliament”. What are those values dictated in Article 2? Those of “respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities”.
NATO membership is open to any other European state willing to support the principles of this Treaty and contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”
Values, according to the EU, “common to the Member States in a society characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men”. Given the crisis situation in Ukraine right now, the deadlines for the assessment of this request could be significantly shortened. Then, in the case of the Commission’s opinion, a phase that usually requires a period of between 15 and 18 months, it should be noted that it is not a closed period and that it can be extended or, also in this case, be “significantly shorteraccording to “political” considerations.
Thus, the possible union of Ukraine to the EU could take place in a relatively short time. In the case of NATO entry, the process and timing are somewhat similar. As dictated by the organization, adherence to it is open to “any other European state willing to support the principles of this Treaty and contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.” In this case, NATO has an Action Plan for Accession that helps candidates who want to join to meet a series of fundamental requirements, providing them with practical advice and specific help.
Source: Lasexta
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
