Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia: Political Vision of Their EU Membership

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has rapidly changed political visions regarding the future EU membership of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. This chapter analyses and compares ways by with these countries may attain EU candidate status, tracing these paths from the initial conditions set by the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It further examines the challenging democratic transition and problematic institutional consolidation required for the participation of the countries in designed EU projects, notably the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, Eastern Partnership or Association Agreement. Various perspectives on the evolution of European integration over time are analysed from the position of key member states, European Institutions or governments, and representatives of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Thus, this chapter provides a better understanding of the causes and factors behind the European aspirations of these countries and their evolving expectations regarding future EU membership, EU countries, EU institutions, and Russia.