The French economic daily Les Echos published an article in its forum section on Thursday evening, written by French entrepreneur Arnaud-Dassier, pointing out that Ukraine can become a high-tech and low-cost workshop for Europe to reduce dependence on China and enhance competitiveness against the United States. He also emphasized that Ukraine does not need to join the European Union to achieve this.

Arnaud-Dassier wrote that Ukraine's per capita income is more than half of China's. Ukraine possesses abundant, highly skilled, and competitive natural and human resources, which are strategic opportunities to strengthen European economic sovereignty.

Ukrainians still prefer scientific disciplines, so much so that the country is sometimes called a "cradle of talents." Following the information technology sector becoming a major service provider in Europe, Ukrainian industry has also developed high-level expertise in producing military equipment. This tradition can be traced back to the Soviet era and was powerfully restored under the impetus of a war economy.

Integrating Ukraine into Europe's industrial structure will enhance its capabilities and help Europe quickly rearm itself. Ukraine produces millions of drones annually, while France has set a goal of 700. By collaborating with Ukrainian companies, European enterprises can develop cutting-edge equipment, benefit from frontline experience, at low cost, and ensure autonomy regarding American competitors and Chinese components.

Should Ukraine join the EU? Dassier responded that this hasty plan is less the result of rational analysis and more the product of German romantic idealism and Ukrainian despair. Ukraine risks losing its flexibility and competitiveness as a main asset due to the regulations and energy setbacks it must comply with, which are destroying Europe's economy.

Instead, benefiting from international reconstruction funds while maintaining low standards to allow exports to other regions of the world aligns with Europe's interests. In any case, Ukraine is far from ready to integrate into the European market. Not to mention the risk of talent drain to Europe.

Dassier believes that a wiser approach is to view Ukraine as Europe's preferred workshop, laboratory, and subcontractor. Here, European enterprises can innovate and produce without being constrained by Brussels' bureaucracy. This is a role that China has played for decades but can no longer play. Ukraine can take its place.

This is even truer in agriculture, another great wealth of Ukraine. Ukraine is the largest agricultural country on the European continent. Its soil, rich in humus, is particularly fertile. Before the war, Ukraine supplied 50% of the grain reserves of the United Nations World Food Programme, playing a crucial role in global food security.

Ukraine's grain production costs are 30% lower than the EU's. Instead of making Ukraine a strong agricultural competitor in the European market and forcing it to comply with its highest level of health and environmental regulations, it would be wiser to keep Ukrainian agriculture free, protect European farmers through strict import quotas and high tariffs, and direct their products to their natural markets—emerging countries. Ukrainian chicken was very popular in Asia and Africa before entering the European market.

According to Dassier's summary, Ukraine can become a new strategic partner for Europe, bringing economic benefits to all countries and serving European sovereignty. To gain all the common benefits from such cooperation, rushing to join the EU would be counterproductive.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7490023684325769763/

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