Macron Pitches a “New European Community” for Ukraine, Britain and More
On May 9, French President Emmanuel Macron took the floor at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to share a fresh vision for Europe—one that would let countries outside the EU, including Ukraine and Britain, step into the fold without the slow grind of accession negotiations.
His Recent Re‑Election as a Green Light
Macron said his own re‑election last month was a clear sign that the French are hungry for more European unity. But he didn’t mince words about the hurdles Ukraine faces.
The Long Road Ahead for Ukraine
“Ukraine, thanks to its courage and battlefield grit, is already a heartfelt member of our EU family,” he declared. He added, “Even if we give Kyiv candidate status tomorrow, we all know the journey to full membership could take years—maybe even decades.”
New “Political European Community” – Your Shortcut to the EU?
Instead of lowering knee‑jerk standards just to speed up admissions, Macron floated the idea of a parallel entity. Think of it like a VIP lounge for nations that either want to join the EU or have already left.
Countries would get in if they’re democratic, share core EU values, and align on things like:
- Political cooperation
- Security initiatives
- Energy collaboration
- Transport links
- Infrastructure investment
- People movement
“Joining this community doesn’t lock you out of future EU membership,” he said. “And it stays open to nations that have walked away.”
Why It Matters
Macron’s proposal could help Ukraine and Britain maintain their Euro‑centric ambitions while waiting for the slow federal clock to tick. It offers a bridge that keeps teams close without scrambling to meet every single EU requirement. The idea is to keep “Europe alive” for all those who want to play the game, at any stage.
In short, it’s like giving all the big European players a seat at the table while the long‑term process of unpacking and onward‑joining continues to unfold.
