Ukraine in der Nato? An enormous step - and, strangely enough, no public debate

Commentary by Mike Schier on Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU. © Lisi Niesner/Reuters/Pool/dpa/Michael Kappeler

Ukraine is pushing into NATO and the EU. But these would be big steps - with risks. It is now important to remain rational, comments Mike Schier.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is back in his embattled homeland – and he has brought back a lot of optimism from his tour of European capitals: his country's accession to NATO will come, he says, it is even "inevitable". There are growing signs that the defence alliance is to give the go-ahead for a medium-term accession at the summit in Vilnius in July.

Ukraine's accession to NATO: An enormous step

We are talking about an enormous step, about which, strangely enough, there has been no public debate at all so far. There would be a huge difference between vigorously supporting the country in repelling Russian aggression – or automatically drawing the mutual assistance clause of the NATO treaty into the war itself.

So while the current fighting is ongoing, accession is completely unimaginable, but even after that it should be carefully considered. There would be plenty of other ways to better protect Ukrainians from future attacks, such as extensive security guarantees.

Olaf Scholz hesitates - but caution is also required when Ukraine joins the EU

Olaf Scholz has been hesitant so far, and rightly so. At the same time, however, he is pushing ahead with Ukraine's prospect of joining the EU. But here, too, care should be taken to remain rational despite the traumatic images from the war zone. As long as the principle of unanimity applies in the EU, the Ukrainians are struggling with massive corruption and other candidates are waiting in vain for admission, no special arrangements should be created for Kiev. Help with the defense – yes. Support for reconstruction – of course. But those who raise too high hopes now will soon reap disappointment.

Mike Schier