youkraine counts on the help of the European Union and NATO to push back the Russian invasion of the country. They received aid from the European Peace Fund, but the President Volodymyr Zelensky is taking the next step and signed a petition to become a member of the EU, but this is a process that cannot be done quickly

First, there are requirements set by the EU for any country that wishes to join. All 27 EU member countries must unanimously agree to allow Ukraine to join, which is likely to be the case given the situation in Ukraine.

Once the application for membership has been signed, it is sent to the Commission, which must give its approval. The European Council then proceeds to a vote and only then can Ukraine officially become a member of the EU. This is a process that will take at least 12 months.

However, the European Parliament will ask in an extraordinary plenary session to speed up this process.

“Ukraine is one of us and we want it in the EU,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

What EU requirements does Ukraine have to meet?

In short, Ukraine must demonstrate to the EU that it is a strong democracy with a strong economy in order to meet the expectations set by the organisation.

All these aspects are studied according to the Copenhagen criteria, which include democratic, economic and political aspects.

Ukraine must ensure stable institutions to maintain democracy, a healthy economy capable of responding to EU demands and obeying EU laws and obligations.

Up to seven countries are waiting to join the EU

Another problem for Ukraine is that there is a waiting list to join the EU. These countries are divided into two groups: potential candidates and candidate countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo belong to the group of potential candidates, while Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Montenegro belong to the category of candidates for membership.

Ukraine’s weak economic capacity, due to the conflict, puts it in a difficult position. ZelenskyThe government may be a candidate for EU membership, but the process can only be accelerated at the request of the European Council.

Will Ukraine join NATO?

To be part of the 30 members of NATO, you have to be invited so that a candidate country receives an action plan that it must respect. Ukraine received this invitation in 2008, but it did not give anything.

In its previous attempt to join NATO, Ukraine was more aligned with Russia’s policies, but that has changed over the past decade. However, NATO is an organization that defends its member countries and Ukraine might not contribute as much in this sense.