UKRAINE | Is EU Membership Really Possible?

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On 28 February 2022, as Russian forces approached the country's capital, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signed a letter formally applying for European Union membership. Moreover, in an impassioned appeal to the EU he called for a special procedure allowing for immediate accession. But is this possible? And is it even feasible?
Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay. Here I take an informed look at International Relations with a focus on territorial conflicts, secession, independence movements and new countries. If you like what you see, please do subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and benefits, consider becoming a channel member. Many thanks!
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The war in Ukraine has led to renewed interest in both NMATO and EU enlargement. This was thrown into sharp relief by Ukraine's formal request to join the Union, a step that has since been followed by Georgia and Moldova. But while there may be a great deal of sympathy for President Zelenskiy's call for a special process of fast-track membership, this will not happen. Joining the European Union is an extremely complex and lengthy process. More to the point, that process is designed to ensure the integrity of the EU. Its success as the world's most ambitious peace project is built on the interdependence of its members. And that interdependence is built on a vast body of laws and trust in the system that each member will adhere to its responsibilities to respect them. As a result, the accession process is necessarily long and rigorous. A new member must be able to meet the terms of the tens of thousands of pages of the acquis communautaire, the EU's body of laws. More to the point, and in the face of the Russian invasion, it is hard to see what immediate membership would even achieve.
0:00 Introduction and Titles
0:38 Ukraine Applies for EU Membership
1:29 The European Union and Ukraine Compared
2:31 The History of the European Union
4:40 The Process of Joining the EU
6:16 Could Ukraine Join the EU Immediately?
9:23 Other Problems of Ukrainian Membership
11:39 The EU and Ukraine
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FURTHER READING & USEFUL SOURCES
EU Enlargement ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-en...
EU-Ukraine Association Agreement trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/doc...
European Parliament Resolution on Ukraine (2022) www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/...
EU Enlargement Step by Step ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-en...
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KEYWORDS
#Ukraine #EuropeanUnion #Russia
#InternationalPolitics #CurrentAffairs #InternationalRelations
#Secession #Statehood #Independence "EU
#InternationalLaw #InternationalHistory
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22 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 364

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

This week saw Ukraine officially apply for EU membership. But while the Ukrainian President has called for a special procedure for immediate accession, is this actually possible? More to the point, and notwithstanding the circumstances of the application, is it something that the EU should explore? What are your thoughts? (By the way, in addition to Ukraine, this week also saw Georgia and Moldova apply for EU membership.)

@hughlevantjames905 2 года назад

Solid take. Keep it up, Professor!

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

@@hughlevantjames905 Thanks so much. It was a difficult one. I certainly have sympathy for Ukraine’s position. And I fundamentally support EU enlargement. But I also know that the success of the EU relies on the integrity of the membership process. Countries need to be ready when they join. (And even then they can slip back after accession.)

@hughlevantjames905 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay I agree. EU's expansion is something more than an economic expansion, I believe it is the embodiment of De Gaulle's vision of a Europe that starts from Iberia and stretches to Ural Mountains. While I do believe that Ukraine won't be able to join for now, it has to someday if Germany (or France at that matter) wants to establish a European Union with its own sphere of influence, instead of being under the influence of the Anglo-Saxon nations. The future is going to be interesting, as I expect something similar to the Concert of Europe, except then it will be the Concert of the entire world. A balance of powers with 5 or 6 states / unions leading their continents.

@Peirithous 2 года назад

The EU needs to admit Ukraine already …!!! Ursula van der was advocating strongly for it saying Ukraine is one Of us …so what’s the hold up?

@idealicfool 2 года назад

@@Peirithous Prof James litterally just explained that in this video dude...

@AchyutChaudhary 2 года назад

Update: as of now, 🇬🇪Georgia & 🇲🇩Moldova have also now applied for 🇪🇺EU membership following 🇺🇦Ukraine. Lovely video by the way!

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. It has been quite an incredible week. I got a mention of Georgia into the video. But Moldova applied after I filmed it.

@herbertherbertic6223 2 года назад

Their governments will move to Brussels anyway once Russia enters, that's as quick as it gets.

@Peirithous 2 года назад

And they should all get in! It’s the only way to shield them From bully russia🇷🇺💩👿👿👿 …EU and NATO membership should be enough to shield them

@Peirithous 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay hello Professor….Please where’s your video discussing the use of the US getting involved in all this? Is there one? Everybody hates America for getting involved blah blah blah …so what’s your take? Should America get involved? I mean we are obviously geographically removed from europe …

@belstar1128 2 года назад

Cool more conservative countries in the eu.

@merocaine 2 года назад

A couple of years back I was chatting to a friend about the unification of Germany and how it was partially driven by a wave of patriotic war enthusiasm, we also chatted that those foundational wars layed the seeds of its eventually destructive ending. I posited that a war was probably the only thing that could drive further integration, especially in terms of defence and strategic independence. Perhaps this war will be the catalyst for a militerization of the EU project. If they bring in Ukraine and Georgia there would be no option but a militerization of the EU.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. Really interesting point. This conflict is certainly galvanising Europe is a way that many didn’t expect. In fact, I suspect part of the reason Putin acted was because he felt he could rely on a divided Europe, with some key members blocking action against him. However, this really had gone completely the other way. Within NATO, Even Erdogan has turned heavily against Russia after years of costing up to Putin. And in the EU, Orban has not put up any resistance to sanctions. And Greece and Cyprus have spoken out strongly against Russia. Elsewhere, even Serbia voted for the UN General Assembly resolution (although it is still the European outlier on sanctions). It really is interesting to see. But I can’t help but feel it could have been very different. Then again, as you say, maybe this is what Europe really needed to get their act together. It will be interesting to see how this now evolves.

@soundmind9772 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay Indeed Europe is galvanizing and that is all part of the plan. Thus far it has been a slave to the United States. By standing against Putin, the world is learning how to eventually stand against the United States and is building the confidence to do so when the time comes. Notice how China conveniently benefits from this whole charade and that United States hegemony is weakened in a way that is almost too subtle to notice. This geopolitical reconfiguration indirectly strengthens Russia's position in the long term even if it suffers the pain in the short term. The bluff of nuclear war is also a necessary motivating factor because without it no one would care enough to unite because they would just pretend to care about Ukraine while doing nothing because it doesn't really affect them. This is truly a game of thrones of epic proportions.

@ashroskell 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay : Do you think that Europe’s apparent unity in the face of Putin’s aggression has come as a real surprise to Putin, then? Do you think it might be because they all see Putin’s end game as being merely about dominating European energy reserves, and that they don’t want Putin to have that much power over the west?

@ashroskell 2 года назад

@@soundmind9772 : I think you’re conflating what you wish would happen with what’s actually happening. Two different things.

@soundmind9772 2 года назад

@@ashroskell I hope you are right but the CIA is not the only mastermind and it's merely ONE tool used by the elite. Do not underestimate #1 Putin, #2 China, and most importantly, #3 all those investors that would profit, including many who are U.S. and/or EU citizens, from the fall of the United States and the resulting vulnerability of those countries it protects. Greed has no loyalties except profit. Most opinions shared on the internet are informed and shaped by AI-based propaganda that operates covertly. AI propaganda can respond to unforeseen events and even capitalize on the opportunity by adapting its messaging to generate a certain public response that serves a specific objective. It's certainly possible for this type of technology to be used for good but it's naive to assume that it's not being used to generate maximum profit for a wealthy minority elite at the expense of the masses. Most people will assume that God would not allow such a thing to happen and they would be wrong.

@King__Gammer 2 года назад

It’s very refreshing to see an actual intellectual on RU-vid. I’ve watched many political channels with millions of subscribers, but with such poor grasp of geopolitics, and politics in general; it’s painful to watch them.

@zccau2316 2 года назад

It is but the professors comments on the Afghan invasion is questionable to say the least

@King__Gammer 2 года назад

@@zccau2316 Can you please refer me to the video?

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much. Unfortunately, it takes so much time and effort to make these videos that most people are put off. Also, the level of abuse tends to be quite high on politics channels. This also puts many people off. This means many others want to be anonymous. I think that tends to make people a bit reckless as they know there is nothing lost by saying things that aren’t as perhaps measured they would be if they put their name and face to it. This can bring controversy and high views, which means more money. Once this happens, it’s very easy to continue down that path of clicks and high views - especially as there’s no reputation to lose. It becomes a vicious circle. I have a reputation to lose. I think it tends to make me more careful! :-)

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Which one? The one where I said it marked the end of the Post/Cold War era and Western interventionism? Or the one suggesting that we might need to consider the terms of engaging with the Taliban? Id be interested to hear what radical thought crimes I committed with those. :-)

@zccau2316 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay I wish RU-vid had direct messages so I could refer it to you. Maybe open your Twitter dms could be one way for me to show you? Or maybe i could email you instead with screen captures. I have already posted a comment on this video so try scroll through the comments to find it. I explained the whole thing in case you forgot. God bless

@NikolaHD 2 года назад

Fantastic video James! This explains very well every major problem that EU could face if non-ready country joins in. However you mentioned Bulgaria and Romania, i can't talk about Bulgaria, but as i studied in Romania and spent 5 years there, i can say that 15 years after it joined EU, that country is still a mess. Coruption is thriving, building infrastructure is slow and quality is very poor, political influence in jurdicional system is very visible. If we take Ukraine and just forget about war and disputes, do you think that it would be different from Romania now?

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thank you so much Nikola. I am really glad that you liked it. I thought it would be useful to just walk through the enlargement process. Really interesting to hear about your experiences in Romania. Many other people have actually said the same to me over the years. (As you know, my background is working in the Balkans.) For example, it's surprising how often I hear people say that they found the experience of going from Romania to Serbia quite jarring given that Romania is in the EU and Serbia isn't. But of course part of the reason Serbia and the others from the Western Balkans are now facing such a tough time joining the EU is precisely because of the experience of Bulgaria and Romania. No one wants a repeat of that. And I think this is indeed the real worry about Ukraine. Leaving aside the problems of the war, I don't think many people realise just what a mess the country was in. It is horrifically corrupt. And there were all sorts of other problems that perhaps we glossed over.

@8wayz2shine 2 года назад

I am from Bulgaria and am currently back living there. The corruption after 14 years of EU membership is even worse, mostly due to German influence and meddling in internal affairs. Germany and Merkel in particular closed their eyes for appropriation of EU financial funds to specific groups and oligarchs in return for the country aligning closely their foreign and economic policy with the german one. The biggest loss for Bulgaria during the negotiations was that the country was made to close down 4 of the 6 nuclear reactors it had running. Bulgaria was not given even the option to renovate them. Given the current state of the global economy, having cheap energy generation seems to be back on everyone's agenda. Ukraine being fast-lined would be unfair to those who had to give up a lot to be accepted, and will just launch their corruption sky high.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

@@8wayz2shine Thanks. This a terrible story, but oddly amusing. Some of our closest friends are Bulgarians. We get together most weekends. After a few drinks we sometime maybe play a game of ‘where did the EU money go?’ I’d randomly pick a town or city and he’d tell me where it went: fast cars, up the nose, jewellery, mistresses. He seemed to know the particular vices of each mayor.

@als5482 2 года назад

@@8wayz2shine the real issue in EU policy seems to be foreign policy and energy policy alignment. The source of that policy seems to be historically rooted German policies which always further cement German hegemony. This sort of meddling and destabilisation began in Yugoslavia in the early 80s with catastrophic consequences. I also note that Bulgarian nationalism regarding the Macedonia question is at pretty high levels these days, mostly stemming from frustration at failed economic development under EU stewardship.

@banicata 2 года назад

I'm from Bulgaria. While it still has many issues, it has vastly improved while in the EU, even under inept and corrupt politicians. Now there are new people in power, hopefully they actually help Bulgaria improve faster

@Ganja-Bass 2 года назад

Thanks for another timely and enlightening video, professor. As someone who studied European Union I have been trying to explain to my friends that there's no fast track membership and things won't go further than a "candidate state" status. Now I see that Georgia and Moldova also filed applications?! Good luck to them :)

@juniorjames7076 2 года назад

How To Join The EU: a) Don't be Muslim b) At least half of your population must have blue eyes and blond hair c) See rule (a)

@GoldenBoyDims 2 года назад

@@juniorjames7076 lmao Ukrainians are dreaming that the eu and nato will come and save them from Russia but this will just aggravate Russia more

@ashroskell 2 года назад

@@GoldenBoyDims : Good. When you say, “Russians,” you mean, “Putin.” Russians don’t want Putin’s war and they’re being locked up in their droves for saying so out loud. I hope we do, “aggravate,” Putin more and more. What’s he going to do? Make even more mistakes in his rage? Good.

@simonbone 2 года назад

@@juniorjames7076 EU candidate Albania has an at least notional Muslim majority, as do potential candidates Kosovo and (half of) Bosnia. And there is no country in Europe, or anywhere else, where the majority are either blond or blue-eyed.

@m.salleh5919 2 года назад

@@juniorjames7076 True. Ironic too if Ukraine does make the grade and Turkey is still pushed aside even if it's a NATO state 😉

@TheShanewalsh Год назад

Informed sober reporting James. We need a million of you Merci.

@JamesKerLindsay Год назад

Thank you very much! 😀

@marcusperkins553 2 года назад

You've raised a number of key points I hadn't really considered before James. Very informative as always.

@dainomite 2 года назад

Thoroughly enjoyed the video, thanks for your take on this quickly developing situation.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much! It’s a hard one. I support EU enlargement. And I can sympathise with what Ukraine is facing. But this just isn’t a feasible option for anyone.

@shaneryan7622 2 года назад

Great video! You’re the channel I’ve been wanting to find!

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thank you so much! I am really glad that you like it. Always nice to hear! :-)

@aidy6000 2 года назад

Thank you for a realistic view on this question.

@jensboettiger5286 2 года назад

Pretty sure this would force a declaration of war against Russia due to the mutual defense clause, which means open war between nuclear powers. Not an option

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thank Jens. You are absolutely right.

@kugul1683 2 года назад

Enjoyed the video! Given the situation Moldova in (with a possible threat of invasion & Transnistria), do you think, that unification with Romania will be brought back up? That way it could become an EU and NATO member without the hassle.

@dainomite 2 года назад

That would be a great video for James to do in the future! I heard Transinistria and Gagauzia would formally declare independence if Moldova and Romania reunited. I'd love to see James' take on this subject.

@landlordize 2 года назад

Thanks professor. I had more or less assumed the EU wouldn't go for it, but it was interesting to hear why it might not be desirable at all.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much. I thought it might be helpful to delve into it in more detail.

@rauldominguezcasado1347 2 года назад

All your videos are so interesting!!! Thank you so much for good information!!!

@kishorerajselvaraj7908 2 года назад

As cogent and comprehensive explanation as one can get. Thank you.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thank you very much indeed!

@Boge_Ludi 2 года назад

As a Bulgarian I can confirm that joining without being fully prepared leads to a number if issues, which remain unresolved for decades. The large number of requirements and monitoring before accession force candidate countries to work harder to "unlock" access. Candidate status and entry are the carrot, which necessitates internal change. Once a country enters, things slow down. Bulgaria has been bogged down in corruption scandals and slow legislation change, meanwhile the population has crashed - we lost 800 thousand people in 10 years. Access to European markets and low birth rate has lead to a demographic disaster. In that regard some people in media and government have said we can cope with 200 thousand Ukrainian refugees, which would benefit the economy. Back to EU accession... Since accession to the block, Bulgarian corrupt practices seem to have found new modes of operation within the EU and other member states. That was in a time of peace. Ukraine is now a highly destabilized country. Weapons have flooded into their territory, the economy wasn't robust to begin with, and the biggest issue - direct Russia-EU confrontation. The Russia of Vladimir Putin has no interest in Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia joining. (My personal utopian dream was for a union, which includes Russia as well. A true Eurasian union, but that has never been a real option.) The EU is highly unstable. It lost a member state. It has internal issues with Poland and Hungary, it endured an economic crisis, which crippled the economies of southern members. It endured the covid crisis. I wish the west could help Ukraine further, but all leaders know a direct confrontation will further provoke Putin. He will feel vindicated. In the meantime, as a citizen of a Balkan country, I am worried about all the frozen conflicts in the western Balkans, which are waiting for an excuse to reignite.

@georgedevries3992 2 года назад

" In the meantime, as a citizen of a Balkan country, I am worried about all the frozen conflicts in the western Balkans, which are waiting for an excuse to reignite." I completely feel you mate. Idk what the major concerns are for the Bulgarians but as a half Dutchman living in Greece, there is this ever present concern of Turkey invading Greece for it's expansionistic reasons and that the EU and NATO pretty much will leave us to rot because Turkey is more important to them for various reasons. But what are those "frozen conflicts" you mentioned?

@yellowwasprakija2869 2 года назад

Which frozen conflict are you referring to?

@als5482 2 года назад

great analysis. The frozen conflicts are in Bosnia and Kosovo. Because EU/NATO intervened heavy-handedly to create new states with no democratic legitimacy (Ukraine *cough*), this provoked civil wars which were essentially frozen by NATO occupation troops. They will reignite the second NATO leaves, I guarantee it.

@yellowwasprakija2869 2 года назад

@@als5482 I certainly hope not. I think borders need to change - but without bloodshed

@als5482 2 года назад

@@yellowwasprakija2869 I hope so too however when NATO intervenes in ethnic disputes, Yugoslavia, Ukraine, it only makes it worse because they are taking a side, NOT ending the fighting

@FlamingBasketballClub 2 года назад

I came here from VisualPolitik EN. Thank you for explaining the process of European Union membership. At 3:02 the treaty that was signed on April 18/1951 by The European Coal and Steel Community was Treaty of Paris. Crazy to think that 2021 was their 70th anniversary. April 18/2022 will be the 71st anniversary of this treaty. Amazing!

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Yes, it’s amazing to think that the EU effectively emerged 70 years ago. Interestingly enough, the Coal and Steel Community no longer exists. It finally came to an end in 2002. But it left a pretty incredible legacy.

@omarmohamed6701 2 года назад

Well articulated, enlightening and useful. Thanks, James for another interesting and important video.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much. Really glad it was useful.

@SuperTommox 2 года назад

I must admit I didn't think about all these problems about it. Thank you!

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much. Yes, I thought it was worth doing a video on the topic. It does sometimes help to dive into these things. And EU accession and enlargement is actually one of my areas academic specialisation. :-)

@Lleruelu 2 года назад

Thanks Prof! It would be most interesting to hear your analysis about how the perceived military threat from Russia could accelerate the process of European integration, and even kick off a progressive federalization of the Union, as the COVID seems to have already done. It is a bit soon for that, but I encourage you to share your take on the topic with us in the future :D

@gdroce8569 2 года назад

Thank you Prof

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks!

@flaviospadavecchia5126 2 года назад

Awesome video and greatly explained :)

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thank you so much. :-)

@jimmyrussl7112 2 года назад

I agree with all the points you’ve made I would also like to see a video on your opinions on the sanctions Russia has been given when you mentioned comprehensive sanctions I think that would be an interesting video topic

@r.r8314 2 года назад

Many many thanks. As my native lanquage is Lithuanian, for me was so hard to explain in English why this is so different than other invasions. Its so shocking to see, i remember my grandmas stories about WWII and how Russians were rude and horrible to my nation while Lithuania belonged to Soviet Union. Very very interesting!!!

@Aschraffff 2 года назад

Thank you for this good analysis and opinion. The EU is too fragile to any expedited member additions. We need to halt it for a few years, consolidate and rethink it, before welcoming new members.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks a lot. Good point. I completely agree. But the EU has to also be clear that membership remains on the table when countries meet the standards.

@paramahansayogananda6719 2 года назад

Excellent video!

@AbdulHannanAbdulMatheen 2 года назад

👏😐 Great video as always Professor

@zedero8 2 года назад

where did you get it from that Greece's accession in the European Communities was fast tracked?

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. I didn’t exactly say it was fast tracked. But it is generally regarded as anomalous. (I say that as someone who has specialised on EU enlargement and on Greek politics.)

@zedero8 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay I see, thanks. Because I tried to find something and I did not manage to. I just felt like it fuels stereotypes and doesn’t help at all with the bashing the Greeks get 🤷🏻‍♂️

@tanguy5016 2 года назад

Professor Ker-Lindsay, four months ago you made a video explaining's Turkey position between the western and eastern world. Would you consider making an updated video regarding Turkey's situation after it intervened against Russia as part of NATO? Will that change anything for Turkey?

@VladimirTheAesthete 2 года назад

I wish more actual qualified and published academics were producing quality content like it. Keep it up.

@EarnestBunbury 2 года назад

I have one question to you, to that I really would love to hear your opinion. Many countries on the European continent are both, EU member states and members of NATO. Some have hesitated to join NATO, fearing it might provoke Russia. But why would only NATO membership trigger Russia, but not EU membership. Yes, USA and the other non-European members of NATO are technically not forced to enter a war against, e.g. Austria. But wouldn't at least Austria's EU neighbors intervene, and therefore trigger all of NATO to join in the long run?. DlDr.: is an EU membership more or less equal to a membership to NATO?

@Gagatek-wo6go 8 месяцев назад

dobry materiał

@lukejohn6139 2 года назад

Thank you so much for this wonderful video, I feel I understand the EU's position on Ukraine much better now. I was just wondering if it would be possible for you to do a similar summary of NATO ?

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much. I’m really glad it helped explain the EU angle. It is certainly more complicated than it may seem. Helping Ukraine by letting it join could actually undermine the EU. And great suggestion about NATO. I will have a think about it. The only thing is that I am a little wary about focusing just on Ukraine. It is desperately important, but I am finding it really draining. To be very honest, I really hate reading my comments section just at the moment - really supportive comments like this notwithstanding! :-) Sadly, I think we both know what any commentary on NATO would bring out.

@lukejohn6139 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay Yep, fair point about NATO and even Ukraine in general, I've just realised going through the comments on your recent Community posts what you mean. Actually I don't know how you are managing to reply so evenly to so many comments (even when they are pure polemic). I'd be tempted to let a few more go through to the keeper.. Whatever you do please don't get too washed out, you've got plenty of people that really appreciate what you are dong 🙂.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. Especially at the moment. Keep well and have a great weekend!

@MrLurchsThings 2 года назад

I think this is one of those situations where the heart say yes, but the brain says “umm, actually….”

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. I completely agree. I support enlargement. And one can only feel extremely sorry for the plight of Ukraine. But this really isn’t the answer for a wide variety of reasons.

@MrLurchsThings 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay completely agree. Much like NATO going which would just cause WW3, giving Ukraine EU membership without all the usual checks and balances, would actually cause more grief than positives.

@mou6854 2 года назад

Rather fast track Georgia or Moldova before it’s too late. But both of those countries are long shots as well. Aid and Sanctions are the way to go until reforms take place

@FOLIPE 2 года назад

Moldova is possible, I think Georgia would simply make Russia divide its attention.

@onefastr6 2 года назад

If they fast track membership and Russia is in the process of invading, then what?

@bilic8094 2 года назад

Nothing the new Ukraine president will make the decisions about the country we just don't know who he will be.

@ladyaqua4544 2 года назад

Thank you for explaining the criteria of the EU, it makes sense to me now, but my Heart is still broken for The Ukraine. 🙏🏻

@looloowhiskey 2 года назад

Couldn't smash the like button quick enough

@Todd.B 2 года назад

I always come away a little bit smarter. Thanks Prof. Before the video Zelensky's request seemed reasonable and why not, but after getting educated it wouldn't make any sense, the current state of Ukraine would make it impossible to follow the rules of the EU and would only serve to weaken the EU. Unrelated question, is it possible Russia could become more isolated and hated by the rest of the world than N Korea?

@LostGenerationn 2 года назад

Nope We indians will continue to stand with our tried and tested friend Russia

@TheUnknown70777 2 года назад

Why is Georgia depicted as sea on the map? 2:09 😁

@derekgreen7319 2 года назад

Could you do a video on Poland ? I think you did one about Hungary

@AB-991 2 года назад

Thank you for rational explanation .. i myself was wondering how that would happen given that other states applied and have been years in the process. The bottom line is EU doesn't have military powers so this fast track membership could be useful but won't end the current conflict

@bigbeautifulape5283 2 года назад

God, I appreciate videos like yours more now than ever when it seems we're being inundated with lurid propaganda articles nonstop. Thank you so much for the effort you put into these.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks so much! That’s incredible kind if you to say and I really appreciate it. It really makes a difference. It’s not always a lot of fun doing these videos given the comments and abuse online. But it’s really nice to hear that they are valued.

@mou6854 2 года назад

Wow a month ago was seen just as a symbolic play but EU Commission president just said they were looking at a fast track system

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. I saw the comments. But I don't think it is fast-track full membership. Again, the EU knowns the dangers of this. I think it is a fast track process to recognise its candidacy for membership and begin talks.

@danieleyre8913 2 года назад

Awful idea. Even before the war: Ukraine was an economic wreck and came nowhere near meeting EU membership requirements. Allowing Greece to join almost sunk the EU. Yet here they are trying to fast track another nation who doesn’t meet membership requirements…

@theodelikouras465 2 года назад

The southernmost point of Europe is Cape Trypiti on the Greek island of Gavdos, south of Crete. Fun fact, there is a giant chair build on the cape, that when you shit on it, you face towards the north so you can "see the whole Europe". Great video as always professor! Keep up the good work!

@alashiya9536 2 года назад

I enjoyed the Freudian slip.

@MotoTvWoodsFarm 2 года назад

No there will not be a 'fast path to membership' how do we know this? The EU has been always strict on compliance on its rules of membership and compliance

@filipfenix 2 года назад

no.

@SoundLock 2 года назад

Hey Prof James. Due to Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have seen numerous countries talking about sovereignty and how important its to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. How will these affect de facto states that exist today, will it be difficult for these to one day get recognition. Would love if you talk about this in a video too or answer here, if you can.

@nadege1102 2 года назад

Thanks for the explanation. Accepting Ukraine now would be a catastrophic mistake and could jeopardize other EU countries.

@alexcarpenter007 2 года назад

Hypothetically speaking, should Ukraine gain swift membership, do you think Turkeys foreign policy could change in relation to the conflict?

@Rehunauris 2 года назад

European Federation is a pipe dream at this moment but would be interesting to hear your take on it.

@talkasantino277 2 года назад

Isnt albania also a nominated country to join the e.u?

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Yes. It is a formal candidate. However, the start of talks is being held up by Bulgaria, which is having an argument with North Macedonia. A long, complicated and rather ridiculous story.

@54032Zepol 2 года назад

Can the u.s.s.r even be reformed it's missing several key states right??

@Gallalad1 2 года назад

The bit about the DDR and Greece is quite important too as in both cases where the EU made exceptions it bit the EU in the ass and caused a long and sustained pain. I think the EU should support Ukraine to the hilt, but it should not get an exception to entry.

@fbkintanar 2 года назад

I agree that fast track membership in the EU would not be desirable, and it would have no legal basis while undermining the institutional foundations of the EU. But something that the EU could do to impact the real situation in Ukraine within the framework of the existing association agreement has to do with funding. The EU could release funding at levels comparable to a country already within the accession process, with an explicit goal of bringing Ukraine up to the level where Romania was when it joined. The funding and related socioeconomic and political development processes would strengthen the territories under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian government over a period of a decade or more, even if the political and military situation leaves parts of Ukraine's territory under occupation for the moment. Accession via the normal track would be possible in a future where convergence has started to happen, perhaps in circumstances where a post-Putin Russia has changed the political situation.

@lowhealth525 2 года назад

we have been waiting 18 years 😕

@sjoc6162 2 года назад

How pissed would Albania and North Macedonia be if someone else enter before them

@colinbrazier8511 2 года назад

Why not have graded levels of EU membership?

@soundmind9772 2 года назад

Yes because we need more forms of hierarchy and inequality in the world.

@HCUhardcoreUnited 2 года назад

And here I thought joining the Federation was hard.

@FredoRockwell 2 года назад

First!

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Haha! great stuff Fredo! I hope you are doing well. (By the way, anyone reading this who hasn’t seen Fredo’s channel, do check it out!)

@FredoRockwell 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay I'm doing great - and appreciate the shout out! Unrecognized Embassies Part 2 out Monday (I hope)!

@grahamvermish5955 2 года назад

No. Ukraine does not meet the human rights aspect of EU membership. It's not just an economic club. The earliest would be 2025 B4 the EU can digest Ukraine as too many members are in financial difficulty.

@rike94 2 года назад

It's literally Impossible. EU membership takes a lot of time, Ukraine does not have the political, economical and social standards to get in, and the EU is not keen on expanding but rather creating partnerships.

@rike94 2 года назад

@@gracchus7782 So is Moldova, Albania, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia and others. That really does not change the outlook.

@platoscavealum902 2 года назад

🇺🇦✌️

@AhmetwithaT 2 года назад

One of the reasons why I don't think EU is going to to take Ukraine in is it would have to mean giving up the currently occupied ethnically Russian parts of Ukraine. Not just due to the occupation but also due to the fact that Russia uses such minorities to exert influence over other countries. Taking the whole of Ukraine could mean Russia influencing EU, no way EU is going to give that hand to Russia. And with all the rhetoric about taking the whole of Ukraine back, I don't see Ukraine abandoning territory just to get EU membership.

@MrMordechaiAnilevich 2 года назад

People should not confuse Ukrainian fast-tracked accession with arguments about their eligibility. This is all about the message to the regime in Moscow.

@ems7623 2 года назад

I am surprised you took on this question. I would have thought it was relatively obvious that this was a bit of political theater.

@joeenglishtv 2 года назад

Of course Ukraine 🇺🇦 ❤️ as well as Moldova 🇲🇩 ❤️ and Georgia 🇬🇪 ❤️ Will sooner or later be part of this great and beautiful family: the European Union 🇪🇺 💙 They just have to be patient and keep on working towards this goal. We all love you and won't abandon you. LOVE TO YOU ALL FROM SPAIN! ((Not to mention all the ❤️other countries on the European continent who would also like to join)).

@zedero8 2 года назад

Should have pointed out more clearly that even if the EU fast-tracked Ukraine's membership in the midst of a war, that would sparkle a full-on WW3 due to the Article 42 7 of the treaty of the European Union which states that, similarly with NATO, an attack on one is an attack on all

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Because it’s not clear absolutely that this would apply to pre-existing situations.

@zedero8 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay true

@freenational 2 года назад

Give it up, prof. Germany not too keen on it.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Did you actually watch the video?

@freenational 2 года назад

@@JamesKerLindsay , no. My response was based on your previous bias. But after having watched it, it is hard to take your statements seriously when you quote the Nobel Peace prize as a reference. The Nobel peace prize has come to be seen as a tool for Western imperialism to impose their views. Since you are on the subject of Ukraine's application, why didn't you also talked about Russia's inclusion into the Union that could contribute positively to the economy and peace of Europe than what Ukraine has to offer?

@FOLIPE 2 года назад

What happens if Ukraine gets a Russian-aligned government and a western-aligned government at the same time? Especially if this situation goes on until after the original term of the current executive and legislative?

@bilic8094 2 года назад

It's simply math a president is a puppet for a puppet on opposing sides.

@eshvartz 2 года назад

Interesting video. My own personal opinion is that things go wrong when the bureaucrats are in power. It takes vision, courage and true leadership to make a real difference in the world and what we're seeing these days in Russian imperial ambitions over Ukraine is also a huge chance. Way I see it the future holds two possible outcomes (amongst others): One is where Russia forces Ukraine to sign an agreement where a puppet government is installed and popular resistance is subdued with Russian assisted violence (as we've seen in central Asia), this with time would put a huge piece of eastern Europe "behind a new iron curtain". Another option is that Ukraine will be met with flexible acceptance and effort by the EU and Russian imperialism will eventually be curbed. One could argue that the main reason Ukraine couldn't fully embrace the EU, was Russian threats for exactly that, now that full scale, all war is already a reality, a rare opportunity arises for cementing Ukraine's choice to "go west". The west, it seems, is not grabbing this oportunity, preferring a stronger Russian satellite influence than facing the internal legislative, beurocratic issues that may arise by fast laning Ukraine's acceptance and dealing with the internal consequences later. Simply put: there's not much enthusiasm in Western Europe to "grab it while it's hot" and bring an entire ex-Soviet people who's suffered poverty and hunger for the past few decades into fold.

@rex_rabbit 2 года назад

It causes HUGE problems if countries join EU or NATO prematurely. Both for the country as well as for the union they join.

@bhante1345 2 года назад

Hmm, the EU will probably ask them to drop the Azov Battalion. Oh well.

@Moribus_Artibus 2 года назад

Ukraine becoming a full EU member is unlikely

@rickycoker5830 2 года назад

So how is Great Briton's economy after Brexit?

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Not great. But I campaigned for Remain. So no surprise to me.

@DymaxionDon 2 года назад

The "remain supporters" will never stop working to undermine the UK's independence by using Brexit as a scapegoat for everything negative.

@tng2057 2 года назад

I am not British but lived in Britain for a while. While I understand why non-Londoner English people hate being in the EU and voted in the referendum accordingly, I think the UK threw away a very valuable and sought after membership and would never recover from this. Just look at how India and Australia cold shouldered Johnson whenever trade alliances / free movement was raised as all non EU countries know the UK does not want to play by the game of give and take prominent in the EU.

@tnorthrup1986 2 года назад

This feels weird and odd, and yet compelling. Realistically, if Ukraine is able to hold the Russians off long enough that something happens to wind the invasion back--either with Putin's consent or his removal, then I think negotiations can begin on a more comprehensive process that is faster than typical accession but not quite the Romania/Bulgaria model either. If at that point the other candidate members (sans Montenegro, no idea why they haven't progressed yet) can be justly told that this is an emergency situation and that Ukraine will be put through all its paces. I think this would also include Ukraine joining NATO as soon as it can after this conflict is over. There is some light here if things work out. A humbled Russia may be less belligerent and thus more open to reform and less protective of Serbia, which may in turn make Serbia/Kosovo easier to resolve in one way. The EU may very soon (in relative if not absolute terms) be all of Europe sans Britain, Bosnia, Belarus and Russia.

@soundmind9772 2 года назад

Recognition of independence of Donetsk and Luhansk as well as Russian sovereignty over Crimea is perhaps the only practical solution. Not sure why there is so much resistance to that idea but it's still a choice I suppose.

@tnorthrup1986 2 года назад

@@soundmind9772 because it is never happening. it isn't a reasonable choice in the terms of international relations.

@soundmind9772 2 года назад

@@tnorthrup1986 you can say it's not reasonable but the alternative is suicide and only a religious person would be foolish enough to pick that

@volodymyrtkachuk2809 2 года назад

I don't think I understand anymore how the world works in this new horrific reality.

@freezing5 2 года назад

I dread chopping up of the Ukraine and dividing it up amongst powers that be.

@annehersey9895 2 года назад

I understand the complex requirements of joining the EU and they are absolutely right to maintain those high standards. The old saying-A chain is only as strong as its weakest link is an absolutely true fact. I shudder actually at the thought of Serbia and Bosnia joining-they have NEVER agreed on anything and have a long history of warfare behind them. In fact most countries of the old Yugoslavia are generally a big hot mess and always have ever since the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, with a short respite during the Iron Fist of Tito and then quickly dissolved into the big mess before his body was even in the ground! I urge the EU to work closely with Ukraine as I support their membership but they really need to conquer their corruption and human rights issues. Once this war is over, I hope the EU members will continue supporting them by helping them rebuild and restart their economy and then I hope they join NATO so the Red Bear of Russia will stay out of Ukraine once and for all!

@tiredox3788 2 года назад

Is Turkey still trying to get into the EU?

@joqqeman 2 года назад

On paper, at least.

@ClydeShadow6 2 года назад

@@joqqeman Pretty much. Turkey shows no will to join EU

@liberoAquila 2 года назад

Yes, but they are not white enough.

@thetraveller1612 2 года назад

@@liberoAquila they are not Christian

@belstar1128 2 года назад

The war in Ukraine has given the EU a lot more popularity.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. I agree. Sadly, I think it has taken this to remind European leaders why unity is so valuable and so important.

@novruzovtogrul7487 2 года назад

Turkish language?

@ivandinsmore6217 2 года назад

Ukraine in the EU. Out of the frying pan into the fire.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Sorry, I don’t see it? Do explain.

@deborahhebblethwaite1865 2 года назад

And what does EU membership get you from a protective point of view? Just asking🇨🇦

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. Good question. EU membership in fact a mutual defence clause. www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/sede/dv/sede200612mutualdefsolidarityclauses_/sede200612mutualdefsolidarityclauses_en.pdf

@RasheedKhan-he6xx 2 года назад

The irony of asking for such an Eastern European privilege - to sidestep due process and get something as a special favour.

@Reviews4fun1 2 года назад

So basically, in the unlikely event that you win against Russia, we will continue the long laborious process of maybe considering your acceptance into our tenuous institution.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

It’s hardly a ‘tenuous institution’.

@vusalabdullayev7124 2 года назад

❤Ukraina❤

@gurufabbes1 2 года назад

hopefully a more sensible EU member will veto it, or else a membership referendum will put a stop to it.

@54032Zepol 2 года назад

Wouldn't Ukraine have to be at peace in order to join a federation??

@EdMcF1 2 года назад

Cyprus?

@vinniechan 2 года назад

Submitting EU application is more symbolism and gesture than anything By doing that Zelensky is basically saying Ukraine is now unambiguously siding with Europe and the west when the consequence of sort of remaining in the middle is not ending well

@FOLIPE 2 года назад

How were they staying in the middle before?

@freddekl1102 2 года назад

I agree, it probably is mostly about that, expecting for EU to admit Ukraine, especially now, with a brand new procedure is just unrealistic. I also thought of another benefit of this rhetoric, but I doubt that it was intended as such- during peace talks, as a kind of free concession to Russia, Ukraine can abandon aspiration to join EU, since it wasn't likely either way. But nonetheless, if Ukraine wins the war decisively and situation would be strategically stable, fast EU accession is a must for Ukraine to rebuild(and better yet, grow, like Germany and Japan after WW2) the nation in a reasonable timeframe.

@fructosecornsyrup5759 2 года назад

@@daddy_1453 Uuuuhhhhhh... Does Georgia not ring any bells? Because it should.

@tanker00v25 2 года назад

@@daddy_1453 Yanukovick was a russian puppet, (not)coincidentally he was overthrown in 2014. Ukraine definitely was Russia leaning under his presidentsdy, and now that Putin is planning on putting him in power we can clearly see that Yanukovick was always intended as a middle step on the road to Russian annexetion of Ukraine

@seigoed88 2 года назад

Rewatching this video after Ukraine became an official candidate country

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Always interesting to revisit videos. :-) It is a great result for Ukraine and Moldova. And I support it fully. But it is worth emphasising that candidacy is a very long way off from membership. It is just the first statement saying that a country has a European perspective. The fundamental points made in the video still stand. Actual membership is a very long way off. And it shouldn't - and won't - be fast-tracked.

@uweinhamburg 2 года назад

With the biggest sympathy for the people of Ukraine and their suffering - the European Union is build on laws and rules. Any fast track membership would mean breaking several of these laws. And it would a paragon for other countries demanding entry, like we could see in Scotland in a few years.

@uweinhamburg 2 года назад

@PrestonSartorius Looks like right now, nobody wants to be a neighbor of Russia...

@uweinhamburg 2 года назад

@PrestonSartorius 'We treated them like dirt after the cold war'... i treated nobody like dirt, no matter what time. Please be careful when you use 'we'.. My guess - it would be better to say, 'the West ignored Russia and their claims after the Cold War'. The Soviet Union always had the desire to be regarded as a superpower on equal footing with the USA. They have never been, and they aren't now, they just got thousands of nuclear warheads. And you are right - the Russian government right now doesn't want to be a neighbor of the European Union (or NATO), that's why they are threatening or invading neighboring countries which look for membership. The question should be - who governs independent countries? Elected governments or neighbors with lots of weapons? And of course the question goes for Ukraine as well as for Venezuela.. And what the 'average' Russian thinks may be even further away from reality than what people in the West think - the Russian media are under full government control and are much less diversified than in the West.

@LongNightsInOffice 2 года назад

I am not hopeful about the future of Ukraine. I think that they will eventually going to lose despite rooting for their success. Therefore the invitation into the EU is mostly symbolic and only meaningful to a rest Ukraine if that exists after the war.

@tauceti8060 2 года назад

I believe its easiet to join NATO than the EU.

@Mr.T-SI 2 года назад

EU first needs to get a handle on actually being a democratically lead instead of an unelected EU commission constantly imposing more restrictions on EU citizenry against popular will, and lets not skip the elephant in the room ,EU development funds that now stream mostly to Poland,Hungary would end up largely redistributed to Ukraine that would continue to be an underdeveloped country for decades to come while western Europe paying for it all would also loose number of votes in EU parliment , i just don't see the appetite for another non paying member country in EU that has issues with basic democracy and rule of law and is always ready to go against EU interests (or lets say Franco German interests) whenever Washington wants it (kinda what was already going on with much of Eastern Europe , New europe , coalition of the willing , CIA rendition and torture camps in Poland ,Romania etc....)

@thomassenbart 2 года назад

Ukraine should not be allowed into the EU. It's not ready.

@JamesKerLindsay 2 года назад

Thanks. That is the point I try to make. Ukraine should be given the perspective of EU membership. But it should only join when it is ready.

@perihelion7798 2 года назад

I watch these video with rapt attention because they are rational, and well-researched. Kudos. However, I still have an option to disagree with them [Iran, Brexit]. The EU operates on a series of tenets that can have the force of law, overriding national laws in many cases. These tenets should be applied equally, but two members are more equal than others: France and Germany. These economic powers can overwhelm less fiscally blessed EU members. The fiat currency, the Euro, certainly has made trade and banking a lot easier, but has prevented member states from managing their own fiscal affairs in many ways, like devaluating their own currencies, which can have advantages. Nonetheless, I do agree on no 'fast-track' EU membership for Ukraine. The internal situation before the invasion was a mess of cross purposes and corruption, and Ukraine must deal with those, and many other issues before membership. Obviously that will take a long while, if ever. As far as the EU being a harbinger of peace for Europe - well, there is some truth in that, but while European countries have taken their historical squabbles into the EU, there remains nations outside of Europe that are still causing a lot of trouble, and the EU seems reluctant to address those on occasion. Maybe because the EU has no military, which is a good thing, really, but limits it's power somewhat. I'm happy to see a strong response to Russia from the EU. There is also the fact that unelected bureaucrats in Brussels have tremendous power in the EA, and make decisions that can favor the more powerful members, which they do often. In any event, I certainly do agree that the EU, for it's various flaws and shortcomings, has certainly provided more good than bad for Europe, and put a damper on the many historical divisions that plagued Europe since the beginnings of history. I appreciate another educational and thought-provoking video.

@perihelion7798 2 года назад

@@gracchus7782 "being governed by bureaucrats in Brussels is a lot better than being ruled by a dictator in Moscow." For all of the EU's myriad faults, the above is certainly true.