THE EFFECT OF THE UKRAINIAN WAR ON THE EU ENLARGEMENT PROCESS

Abstract

Russian aggression of Ukraine has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of Europe and brought
changes in international policy. The conflict has had far-reaching consequences for both Ukraine and
Europe but it also stirred the world economy and global policies. The conflict's impact on the process of
European integration extends beyond security and energy concerns. The large number of displaced people
along with the increasing death toll and war crimes add to the complexity of the humanitarian crisis the
conflict imposed. The war in Ukraine has certainly raised immense international attention and highlighted
the urgent need for conflict resolution. European leaders have been actively engaged in trying to reach
diplomatic solutions and have supported various mediation efforts, recognizing that a stable and peaceful
Ukraine is crucial for regional stability and integration. The EU nowadays stands across an important
decision - it must carefully consider the new geopolitical complexities concerning the potential member
states. Countries in fragile regions such as the Western Balkans may require additional attention and
diplomatic efforts in order to maintain stability and prevent destabilization that may be caused by any of
the existing historical disputes and open issues. Recent EU policies and strategies do encourage broader
efforts for speeding up the process of EU enlargement. The EU perspective offered to Ukraine and Moldova
creates an additional impetus in the euro integration process for the countries of the Western Balkans. A
stable and secure Europe aligns with the strategic policies of the USA, NATO and EU respectively. In this
context, the current geopolitical changes caused by the Ukrainian conflict could trigger stronger
enlargement efforts by the EU within the scope of the joint security and defense strategy. It seems that
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has made EU enlargement a geopolitical imperative.