The €136bn price tag on Ukraine's path to joining the EU
Ukraine's journey to EU membership comes with a significant cost, estimated at €136 billion, not including post-war reconstruction expenses which are expected to surpass hundreds of billions.
The Bruegel Institute reports that this amount is a fraction of the EU's GDP but still a significant chunk of the bloc's seven-year budget.
The EU fast-tracked Ukraine's candidate status following Russia’s invasion, yet insists on further reforms, especially in governance. Hungary's Viktor Orban delayed agreement on these requirements until last December.
For reconstruction, the EU plans to partly fund Ukraine's recovery, with private investors also expected to play a role. However, the exact distribution of the estimated €400 billion needed remains uncertain.
The proposal faces skepticism from some EU members, particularly right-wing factions. The costs might be lower if Ukraine doesn't regain all its territory lost to war. Joining the EU could boost Ukraine's trade and foreign investment, benefiting both parties as seen in previous expansions.
However, corruption in Ukraine is a major issue, and the country's governance indicators are worrying. Despite this, the EU is keen to integrate Ukraine, comparing the move to Germany's reunification, although the economic disparities with Ukraine are much greater.
Ultimately, EU membership for Ukraine will mark a gradual improvement in wages and living standards, but will likely leave Ukraine as the EU's least wealthy member for the foreseeable future.
The EU fast-tracked Ukraine's candidate status following Russia’s invasion, yet insists on further reforms, especially in governance. Hungary's Viktor Orban delayed agreement on these requirements until last December.
For reconstruction, the EU plans to partly fund Ukraine's recovery, with private investors also expected to play a role. However, the exact distribution of the estimated €400 billion needed remains uncertain.
The proposal faces skepticism from some EU members, particularly right-wing factions. The costs might be lower if Ukraine doesn't regain all its territory lost to war. Joining the EU could boost Ukraine's trade and foreign investment, benefiting both parties as seen in previous expansions.
However, corruption in Ukraine is a major issue, and the country's governance indicators are worrying. Despite this, the EU is keen to integrate Ukraine, comparing the move to Germany's reunification, although the economic disparities with Ukraine are much greater.
Ultimately, EU membership for Ukraine will mark a gradual improvement in wages and living standards, but will likely leave Ukraine as the EU's least wealthy member for the foreseeable future.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
