NATO leaders reaffirm decision on Ukraine’s future membership in Alliance

This is said in paragraph 69 of a joint communiqué, which was issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Alliance Council in Brussels on June 14, 2021. The full text is published on the NATO website, Ukrinform reports.

“We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions, including that each partner will be judged on its own merits,” the document says.

NATO leaders stressed that they stand firm in their support for Ukraine’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy course free from outside interference.  In addition, the Annual National Programmes under the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) remain the mechanism by which Ukraine takes forward the reforms pertaining to its aspiration for NATO membership.

“Ukraine should make full use of all instruments available under the NUC to reach its objective of implementing NATO principles and standards.  The success of wide-ranging, sustainable, and irreversible reforms, including combating corruption, promoting an inclusive political process, and decentralisation reform, based on democratic values, respect for human rights, minorities, and the rule of law, will be crucial in laying the groundwork for a prosperous and peaceful Ukraine,” the document says.

It is noted that further reforms in the security sector, including the reform of the Security Services of Ukraine, are particularly important. 

“We welcome significant reforms already made by Ukraine and strongly encourage further progress in line with Ukraine’s international obligations and commitments.  We will continue to provide practical support to reform in the security and defence sector, including through the Comprehensive Assistance Package.  We will also continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its resilience against hybrid threats, including through intensifying activities under the NATO-Ukraine Platform on Countering Hybrid Warfare,” the document says.

NATO leaders also welcomed the cooperation between NATO and Ukraine with regard to security in the Black Sea region. 

It was noted that the Enhanced Opportunities Partner status granted last year provides further impetus to our already ambitious cooperation and will promote greater interoperability, with the option of more joint exercises, training, and enhanced situational awareness.

“Military cooperation and capacity building initiatives between Allies and Ukraine, including the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade, further reinforce this effort.  We highly value Ukraine’s significant contributions to Allied operations, the NATO Response Force, and NATO exercises,” the document says.

As reported, the NATO summit was held in Brussels on June 14 to consider ways to further strengthen the transatlantic partnership and develop the Alliance by 2030.