When values meet enlargement: framing Ukraine’s future in the European Union through the lens of the logic of appropriateness

This article explores the role of framing theory in understanding the European Union’s (EU’s) institutional approach to Ukraine’s EU candidacy, focusing on the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament. By applying framing theory to the discursive practices of these institutions, the study highlights how such values as democracy, solidarity and human rights are strategically emphasised in the framing of Ukraine’s accession. The article argues that these values, central to the EU’s self-conception, have shaped the logic of appropriateness guiding institutional responses, presenting Ukraine’s membership as a moral and ethical obligation rather than a pragmatic decision based solely on political or economic interests. Through this lens, the EU’s engagement with Ukraine is framed as an expression of its commitment to European unity and its normative foundations. The study contributes to the broader discourse on EU foreign policy by examining the intersection of values, institutional discourse and enlargement policy, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of EU enlargement in the context of geopolitical crises.