Croatian president reveals who contributes most to Ukraine's EU accession
Andrej Plenković (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Vladimir Putin has inadvertently become the greatest catalyst for the expansion of the European Union. His invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has accelerated the push for more countries to join the bloc, according to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
"Over the past two and a half years, we have seen a strategic shift in the European capitals being more open toward the enlargement. I believe that Vladimir Putin was the biggest promoter of enlargement," he said.
In June, the EU agreed to begin membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step in a process that will likely take years.
Earlier this year, EU leaders also agreed to start negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to bring the divided country closer to Europe and counter Russia's growing influence. Five other Western Balkan countries are at various stages of the accession process.
"In the next five years, especially in the mandate of the new Commission, it will be interesting to see how every one of them will make progress and fulfill the criteria," Plenković said. "We are always ready to support the progress of our neighbors."
A former European diplomat, Plenković is now serving his third consecutive term as prime minister after his center-right Croatian Democratic Union won the parliamentary elections in April. Last week, he was in New York for the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly.
A strong supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia's invasion, Plenković plans to host a summit in Dubrovnik in early October with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from Southeast European countries.
"The idea is to demonstrate solidarity and support to Ukraine from the group of countries with a lot of historic connections with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people," he said. The leaders will back the Kyiv government "in their endeavor for freedom, for territorial integrity, but also on how to ensure that Ukrainian economy functions well in the difficult circumstances."
It’s worth noting that two-thirds of Ukrainians (64%) see EU and NATO membership as equally important for the country. Meanwhile, 7% favor EU integration more, and 12% believe NATO membership is currently a higher priority.
