Following the publication of TDC’s comprehensive paper, “The EU’s Next Chapter: Economic, Political and Security Gains from Ukraine’s Accession”, and in the context of the opening of the first cluster of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, Marianna Fakhurdinova, Coordinator of the EU–Ukraine Partnership Program, presented the report in Brussels at the end of June.
The event, co-organised by TDC and the Brussels office of the French think tank IRSEM, brought together experts for a policy discussion on the strategic benefits of Ukraine’s EU accession and the need to rethink how EU enlargement is communicated.
The discussion drew on the report’s key findings, demonstrating how Ukraine’s accession could strengthen the European Union across eight strategic dimensions:
- Digital transformation – strengthening the EU’s innovation capacity, technological competitiveness, and digital transformation;
- Labour market – addressing labour shortages, demographic challenges, and supporting long-term economic growth through Ukraine’s highly skilled workforce;
- Energy and climate – reinforcing Europe’s energy security and accelerating the green transition;
- Agriculture – strengthening the EU’s food security, strategic autonomy, and global competitiveness;
- Critical raw materials – diversifying supply chains and enhancing the EU’s economic and industrial resilience;
- Societal resilience – contributing to stronger crisis preparedness, governance, and civil resilience across the European Union;
- Security and defence – enhancing the EU’s military readiness and defence capabilities through Ukraine’s battlefield experience;
- Defence industry – supporting Europe’s rearmament, defence innovation, and strategic autonomy through Ukraine’s defence industrial base.
The event also examined the major strategic challenges facing the European Union and the need for new approaches to strengthening its resilience and competitiveness. Against this backdrop, participants underscored the importance of reframing the debate on Ukraine’s EU accession by shifting the focus from the costs of enlargement to the strategic assets and long-term benefits that Ukraine brings to the European Union.
TDC extends its sincere appreciation to IRSEM and Philippe Perchoc, Head of the IRSEM Europe branch, for co-hosting the event and facilitating the fruitful discussion.
The report is produced by Transatlantic Dialogue Center with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Transatlantic Dialogue Center and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.