What does Ukraine’s path toward EU membership actually look like from inside the process? In this panel discussion, Dmytro Naumenko and Liubov Akulenko from the Ukrainian Center for European Policy offered a detailed and personal perspective on Ukraine’s transformation and the realities of accession negotiations today.
The conversation moved beyond headlines and explored how the war reshaped Ukraine’s economy, political identity, and public support for European integration. Particular attention was given to the role of their daily work and personal engagement during accession negotiations — not only as policy advisors, but also as bridges between institutions, businesses, civil society, and political decision-makers in both Ukraine and the EU.
The panel, furtherly, examined the practical challenges of aligning with the EU acquis, the sectors where Ukraine is already competitive within the European market as well as where not. At the same time, broader political developments like the rise of euroscepticism were illuminated.
The discussion ultimately raised a larger question about the future of Europe itself — and whether Ukraine’s accession could redefine the meaning of European integration in the years ahead.
Watch the full discussion for a deeper look into it!
This event was organized as a cooperation between the Interview Department and the Marketing Department of European Relations. Laurenz B. from the Interview Department and Tom Wecke from the Marketing Department coordinated the project. Matteo Stieß from the Interview Department was responsible for the video editing.
