EIB Chief: Ukraine Must Shed Illusions to Secure EU Future

Mikulová, a long-time observer of Eastern European transitions, notes that Ukraine’s path is distinct from other post-Soviet states. While she initially expected the country to mirror the development patterns of her native Slovakia, she has found that Ukrainians are forging a unique, innovation-driven trajectory. This is most visible in digital services, where QR-code payments and sophisticated administrative tools have surpassed expectations, even amid the physical destruction of the war.

However, the reality of integration is hindered by legacy bureaucratic structures. Mikulová highlights that even with clear political intent, projects often stall within a labyrinth of requirements. Renovating a single school might require over 30 signatures, with progress halted by a single unpaid invoice stuck in a government pipeline. She cautions that this friction, paired with the potential for donor fatigue, creates a risk of fragmentation. To avoid a 'Lebanese scenario'—where the state ceases to function and citizens lose faith in collective institutions—Mikulová insists the EU must provide more than rhetorical support. She advocates for a credible, technical, and accelerated accession process, arguing that if the Union cannot offer reasonable certainty, it must be honest about its own limitations to prevent the disillusionment seen in other neighboring states.