Ursula von der Leyen: Ukraine’s accession to the EU — the most reliable guarantee of security in times of war
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has openly emphasized the importance of accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, describing this as not only Kyiv’s political aspiration but also a decisive security guarantee for an independent state amid current Russian aggression. Her words were spoken during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where the role of the EU in establishing a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine was discussed. “We must accelerate Ukraine’s path to membership in our union. This is not merely a symbolic sacrifice or political declaration — it is the most reliable means of protecting the Ukrainian people, the strongest guarantee of security and stability in the region,” Ursula von der Leyen stated in her speech. She emphasized that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a priority for the entire European community, as it could serve as the ultimate guarantee to end the war and preserve peace for generations to come. According to the head of the European Commission, during her recent meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, she reaffirmed that accelerating Ukraine’s European integration process is not only a political strategy but also a necessity to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to strengthen security across Europe. “The ultimate goal is not just Ukraine’s political accession but a security guarantee that will lay the foundation for a long-lasting and just peace,” she said. Von der Leyen warned that any attempts to strike a bad deal that ignores Ukraine’s interests and does not provide long-term stability could have catastrophic consequences. “A poor agreement could give Putin the opportunity to return with new strength, which would contribute to increased instability and weaken the security architecture of the European continent,” she cautioned. Therefore, she believes that a fair and durable peace is achievable through tools that can help Ukraine restore its independence while also establishing a solid foundation for a new security architecture in Europe. Ursula von der Leyen highlighted three strategic priorities for the EU in this direction. The first is active support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, so it can effectively defend itself against external aggression; the second is a swift transition away from Russian fossil fuels, which should reduce Europe’s economic dependence on Russian resources; the third is the acceleration of Ukraine’s EU accession procedures, a key element for long-term stability and peace in the region. The discussion about Ukraine’s future and its rapid progress toward the EU gained new momentum after a recent meeting in Rome on April 26, where Presidents Zelensky and von der Leyen discussed achieving lasting peace. At the same time, rumors and insider information continue to circulate about potential compromises proposed by the United States. According to some media reports, the Donald Trump administration allegedly handed Ukraine a document in Paris identified as an “final proposal” for resolving the conflict. This document reportedly included potential recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and a possible easing of sanctions against Moscow. Such a move would pose a serious challenge to European unity and the principles of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Despite this complex international situation and high diplomatic tension, European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, clearly indicate that the path to peace and stability for Ukraine must go through its swift European accession. They believe this is the only reliable mechanism to strengthen the country’s security and ensure long-term stability across the European continent.