Estonia FM: Joining NATO Is Easier Compared to the European Union

(Photo : KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
The Estonia FM called it much simpler to become a member of NATO, but joining the EU is more complex, however, Ukraine seems to be having it easy.

Estonia FM says becoming part of NATO was easier than Being an EU member.
Ukraine is seeking entry into both the European Union and NATO.
FM Urmas Reinsalu cited that EU membership takes years, not months, as with Ukraine's bid during the conflict.

Estonian FM remarked that compared to getting into the European Union, it was easier to be part of NATO. Urmas Reinsalu, the Foreign minister of Estonia, said regarding standards which are easier to become part of NATO when contrasted to getting requirements to join the EU, reported Anadolu Agency.

Estonia FM Compares Process of Joining NATO with the EU

He added citing objective criteria to enter into the military bloc is less extensive. He observed how Ukraine is adopting NATO standards in seeking membership, speaking to the news agency RBC-Ukraine. As the Ukraine conflict is in full swing, it wants to join both blocs.

The FM remarked that Kyiv has made a big move in the politics of its bid to join the US-led military bloc. Mentioned the scheduled summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July this year is about what the alliance intends to do, instead of rhetoric, noted Opera News.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the document signifying intent to join the military alliance, which should get a response from the leaders of the military bloc. Still, Ukraine will have to wait until after the conflict. It is a pragmatic approach to the current situation.

Gave the opinion about what if Kyiv gets its entry into the EU before the end of the Ukraine conflict. The FM stated that the accession talks must be independent of the ongoing war. If Kyiv does get processed, then Moscow has the right to veto the application.

One of the demands which Vladimir Putin wanted is not to allow Ukraine into the alliance to expand its reach, cited Al Jazeera. He says that if the process is stopped and all that has been done to enable Kyiv entry will be put on hold with the demands of Moscow. It would be a psychological win for Moscow if that is the case.

Ukraine's Efforts Could Shorten NATO, EU Entry

Estonian entry to the EU took over seven years to achieve that, with the period it spent in candidate status. Concerning the efforts by Kyiv to lessen the application period is another aspect of their accession. However, the usual process to join is years, not just months which contradicts the actual procedure.

FM Reinsalu regarded it as a decision driven by politics more than anything, saying that allegations that Kyiv was given instant candidate status are political is something else. He called attention to objective criteria, which allegedly reflected the determination of Kyiv to achieve all seven goals.

It will be a political recourse only when these conditions are met will. Most bloc countries are either showing favor or not admitting Kyiv into the fold, even as a candidate. Its expansion of the EU is causing worries for a few.

To this effect, the European Commission gave its official stand on joining Ukraine in the European economic bloc last June 17 last year. It did not wait, and Kyiv got candidacy status effortlessly. In December last year, Kyiv lawmakers took steps to satisfy the EU accession process.

Estonia FM stated that joining NATO is less arduous than becoming part of the EU, which Ukraine took the first step easily.