Hryhoriy Mesezhnikov: Ukraine’s focus on European integration is clear and distinct
09.10.2024
Hryhoriy Mesezhnikov
Where does European integration end geographically and in-depth, from the point of view of the commonality of the European space? The Newssky correspondent asked Hryhoriy Mesezhnikov, president of the Institute of Civil Affairs in Slovakia, to express his opinion.
— Where does European integration end, in which geographical areas?
The founding fathers of the European integration project, Robert Schuman and Konrad Adenauer, started it in the heart of Europe — where battles were fought recently, where the nations and peoples of European countries went through terrible trials — bloody wars, and before them — ethnic conflicts, constant changes in borders. So, the European integration project resulted in Europe being the most peaceful place on the planet.
— Is there a correspondence between geographical boundaries and the meaning of European integration?
Geographically, European integration’s boundaries are not very important compared to what constitutes the content of the European integration process. The only thing worth emphasizing is that this project is European.
— What are the most significant factors for acquiring EU membership?
Every European country that prefers to live according to the rules of free democracy, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and economic cooperation has every right to participate in this process. Foremost, if the population of this country supports such a movement towards freedom, democracy, and cooperation, the creation of a union of states and nations, where values related to human life prevail.
— What is your opinion about Ukraine?
In my opinion, Ukraine in the last few years, firstly after a part of its territory was illegally annexed by Russia, even more so — after the beginning of this terrible war, in no way unprovoked, this peaceful country was subjected to aggression, it has testified that its desire to become a member of the community of civilized European nations cannot change. This is the final decision. Ukraine is fighting for its freedom to, in addition to preserving the national identity of the Ukrainian nation, to join the project of creating a community of nations with a clear commitment to all universal principles.
So, if we talk about the specific definition of geographical borders in this context, then, in my opinion, these borders currently end at the eastern border of Ukraine, which borders with Mordor — a country that is not going to participate in any integration projects, but rather on the contrary — is making attempts to destroy them.
Ukraine has a full right to become a member of the European Union. This will be an important step not only for her but also for the entire EU. The European Union will increase in size, become more stable, and better protected.
In my opinion, if today Robert Schuman and Konrad Adenauer were to decide who could join the project of European integration, I think they would make exactly such a decision. It is clear, that the direction of modern Ukrainian society and the state towards European integration is focused and distinct.
Maryna Kovalchuk, deputy editor-in-chief (Central Europe and Canada), and head of the V5 Media project, contributed.
