The Kyiv Stakeholder Workshop on the future of enlargement delved into the complexities of Ukraine's EU accession process in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine. The workshop, which took place virtually on February 7, 2024, featured a panel of distinguished experts from Ukraine and Poland, including Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU, Ivan Nagornyak, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Jan Truszczynski, chief negotiator for Poland’s EU accession and former Polish Ambassador to the EU, Daniel Szeligowski, head of the Eastern Affairs Programme at the Polish Institute of International Affairs and Elzbieta Kaca, analyst at the European Union Program at the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

During the discussions, participants highlighted that Ukraine enjoys overwhelming public support for EU membership, as well as a strong commitment from government officials to the accession process. They also remarked the progress already made in several areas – such as reforms to improve the rule of law and the judicial system – whilst warning that the EU's expectations should match realities on the ground. Importantly, participants stressed the need to maintain political momentum and support for Ukraine's membership throughout the enlargement process, particularly when faced with the threat of a veto during negotiations.

When it comes to the economics of accession, participants cautioned against employing an excessively protective economic lens and argued instead for an approach that brings to the fore the shared benefits of Ukraine's membership, including strengthening the EU's position in the global economy. Despite the many hurdles Ukraine will face along the path to membership – from challenges related to the implementation of key domestic reforms to tensions in the agricultural sector and geopolitical concerns – experts insisted on the need to arrive at win-win solutions that will ultimately reinforce the internal market.

The final stretch of the conversation dealt with the more technical aspect of negotiations. Attendees discussed the development of Ukraine's national plan of Acquis adoption, the implementation of budget recommendations, access to structural funds and the preparation of the intergovernmental conference where Ukraine will present its roadmap to accession.