Ukraine, despite constant destabilization caused by Russia, the annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas, has implemented unparalleled reforms after Euromaidan.

The European Union has been and remains a guide to this positive development, a landmark for civil society, whose activity has become the main driver of these changes.

Russia's war against Ukraine is also a war against the country's European integration.

Ukraine's refusal to grant EU candidate status means Putin's another victory, writes Robin Wagener, a member of the Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens) and chairman of the German-Ukrainian parliamentary group, in a column European Future for Ukraine: Why the EU Should Move toward Kyiv.

Since 2019, EU membership has been a state course enshrined in its Constitution. The goal of joining the EU initiated reforms in agriculture, the judiciary, finance, and privatization systems, as well as changes to the Constitution in decentralization. It significantly strengthened the democratic self-government of the regions.

The author notes that, as in many EU countries, corruption remains a significant problem for Ukraine.

However, the new anti-corruption institutions, such as the High Anti-Corruption Court and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, give reason to hope that the current inertia will be overcome, at least in the long-run perspective.

Recognizing that Russia's war against Ukraine is also a war against European values, the EU has imposed unprecedented sanctions and backed Ukraine.

One of the expressions of our solidarity, writes Robin Wagener, was the agreement on the long-term supply of weapons. Thus, the EU is already fulfilling part of its obligations by the principle of collective defense.

Still, confirming Ukraine's right to self-defense is not enough. They need something else, namely the prospect of a free, democratic Ukraine. Only the European Union on this continent is able to provide such a prospect, claims the member of the German parliament.

This prospect will begin with granting Ukraine candidate status. Therefore, refusal to grant it means providing Putin with another milestone victory.

Many preconditions for Ukraine's accession to the EU have not yet been met. The destruction caused by the war also raises existing barriers to accession. However, granting candidate status would perform several political functions.

First, this step will demonstrate to the Kremlin Ukraine's indisputable path to the West.

It can also help Kyiv cover the huge damage from destruction and reconstruction costs.

Ultimately, the status provides much-needed investment guarantees. No one will invest or rebuild in a country whose future remains uncertain.

If we recognize that the war is also against EU integration, it becomes clear that the candidate status for Ukraine is in the strategic interests of the EU.