Poland has made clear its intentions to prioritize Ukraine’s EU membership as it assumes the EU Council presidency. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the country is determined to fast-track Ukraine’s accession process during its six-month term. This decision highlights Poland’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Poland in Influential Position
With its EU Council presidency, Poland is in a unique position to influence the bloc’s political priorities. Especially as the country has long advocated for Ukraine’s sovereignty and integration into Europe.
Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Poland strengthened its stance, offering both humanitarian and political support. “We will break the standstill we have in this issue. We will accelerate the accession process,” Tusk remarked after a meeting in Poland with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Poland-Ukraine Historical Disputes
In addition to this political advocacy, Poland is working to resolve sensitive historical disputes with Ukraine. One major issue is the Volhynia massacres, a tragic chapter in Polish-Ukrainian history during World War II. Thousands of Polish citizens lost their lives in these brutal events, creating decades of tension between Poland and Ukraine.
Recently, the two countries reached an agreement allowing the exhumation of Polish victims in Ukraine. Hence, this marked a significant step toward reconciliation.
In response, Tusk emphasized the importance of addressing these Poland-Ukraine issues collaboratively.
“We must find a common language and methods of action on the issue of the Volhynian crime and sensitive issues of our history,” Tusk emphasized.
Ukraine’s EU Accession
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to make progress on its path toward EU membership. In June 2024, Ukraine officially began its accession negotiations, marking a pivotal milestone.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently traveled to Warsaw, Poland to discuss advancing this process with Polish leaders. Both parties issued a joint statement highlighting Poland’s role in opening the first negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals.” They also pledged to work together on subsequent negotiation chapters.
In December 2024, EU President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU should be prepared to open negotiations with Ukraine in 2025. In the same month, Zelenskyy reiterated its objective of opening all negotiation clusters in 2025. In addition, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, said that Ukraine could be part of the bloc by 2029 if it implements reforms.
Also in December, European Council President Antonio Costa stressed the significant impact of Ukraine’s EU accession.
Hurdles to EU Membership
Despite these promising developments, challenges remain. Historical grievances, such as the Volhynia issue between Poland and Ukraine, require delicate handling to ensure lasting cooperation.
Furthermore, resistance within the EU could slow down Ukraine’s membership process. Economic disparities between Ukraine and existing EU member states pose additional hurdles. Security concerns, especially in light of the ongoing tensions with Russia, will also weigh heavily on the process.
Nonetheless, Poland’s leadership offers a golden opportunity to overcome these obstacles. As a neighboring country, Poland understands the stakes of Ukraine’s integration better than most. By combining diplomatic efforts with historical reconciliation, Poland may likely pave the way for Ukraine’s full EU membership.
The coming months will be critical for Ukraine’s EU aspirations. With Poland at the helm of the EU Council, the spotlight is firmly on Ukraine’s path forward.
Photo: Facebook/Donald Tusk
