NATO drops MAP requirement for Ukraine, introduces ‘conditions’ for entry
NATO
member states have settled on a unified communique concerning Ukraine’s
membership in the Alliance, making no timeframe commitments as to when Kyiv
might receive the invitation. The document was published on July 11, as the
NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, opens.
The communique noted that Ukraine would be invited to join the Alliance once member states agree and all prerequisites have been satisfied, without specifying what those prerequisites are, exactly.
The document underscored NATO's adherence to the commitment made in 2008 that Ukraine will become a NATO member. It also acknowledged that Ukraine's journey towards complete Euro-Atlantic integration no longer necessitates a Membership Action Plan (MAP), effectively signaling that Kyiv will be able to apply for membership via a fast-track procedure.
NATO members highlighted Ukraine's growing compatibility and political integration with the Alliance, along with the significant strides it has made in reform efforts.
“In line with the 1997 Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine and the 2009 Complement, Allies will continue to support and review Ukraine’s progress on interoperability as well as additional democratic and security sector reforms that are required,” the document reads.
It further stated that foreign ministers of NATO countries will regularly assess progress through the Annual National Programme. The document also remarked that the Alliance would aid Ukraine in implementing reforms on its pathway to prospective membership.
"We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met," the key passage says.
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