GLOBSEC Presented the New Book: "The Reconstruction, Reform, and EU Accession of Ukraine"

On Tuesday, the 21st of March, GLOBSEC and the Stockholm Free World Forum had the pleasure of hosting MEP Andrius Kubilius and Dr. Anders Åslund at the Ukrainian Civil Society Hub in Brussels to launch their book "The Reconstruction, Reform, and EU Accession of Ukraine". The event brought together experts and policymakers with a broad range of knowledge on the country, the war, and the European integration process. 

In the past decade, Ukraine has come a long way from the Soviet system and Russia to the European Union. Nevertheless, Kyiv will face several complex challenges in its bid to join the EU. First and foremost, the country will need substantial financial support for its reconstruction, estimated at $ 300 billion today and likely to increase. The authors estimated that this could be financed by frozen Russian money in Western banks to compensate for the conflict’s destructions. Second, reforming the judiciary will be particularly challenging, however necessary for the country’s case to join the EU. Similarly, reforming the economy could prove difficult after a devastating war and a highly centralised state inherited from the Soviet Union. Still, Ukraine could rely on its vast resources to build a strong recovery. In this context, NATO membership would provide security guarantees essential to attract potential international investors.  

Analysing these challenges and Ukraine’s progress, the book provides a roadmap for Ukraine’s European dream. The authors shared optimism about the country’s chances to join the EU – even as early as 2027 – provided the negotiations start in the coming months. The accession process will likely take a few years and will require a strong commitment from Kyiv and its international allies and partners. In fact, the international community, including international organisations, international financial institutions and civil society, play an integral part in helping Ukraine recover from the war and become a member state of the EU.