EU Enlargement Chief Urges Bloc to Overhaul Membership Rules Amid Ukraine’s Bid

Pressure Mounts for EU Expansion Reform

According to ХВИЛЯ: Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, has called on EU member states to urgently agree on a new framework for admitting future members. She warned that Ukraine’s application to join the bloc poses unprecedented challenges for the current enlargement model, which has not been successfully applied since 2013.

“If there ever was a right moment to accelerate enlargement, it is now,” Kos stated.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine associate membership status, a move that has drawn mixed reactions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the idea as unfair, arguing it would allow Ukraine to attend EU meetings without a voting voice. While Kos did not explicitly endorse Merz’s plan, she welcomed the discussion, noting that “it is useful because we need serious debate.”

Ukraine’s Path to Membership: No Shortcuts

Kos also emphasized that there would be no compromises on core principles such as the rule of law, judicial independence, and anti-corruption efforts. She called Zelenskyy’s goal of joining the EU by 2024 unrealistic.

“No shortcuts on fundamental matters,” she stressed.

At the same time, she highlighted Ukraine’s strategic importance, saying: “Ukraine is simply too big to be allowed to fail. That is why it deserves special attention.”

Kos further indicated that merging the accession processes of Ukraine and Moldova could lead to the opening of formal negotiations this summer. “The sooner we receive direction from leaders, the easier it will be for us to prepare,” she added, underscoring the need for swift decisions to move forward.

These remarks underscore both the significance and complexity of EU enlargement, particularly regarding Ukraine’s aspirations for European integration. Calls for urgent action and discussions about potential membership statuses show that Ukraine’s bid remains a top priority, though adherence to fundamental European standards is non-negotiable. As Kos noted, Ukraine’s immense strategic weight makes its integration a particularly pressing issue in today’s geopolitical landscape.

As the EU navigates the complexities of Ukraine's membership aspirations, recent developments indicate a shift in strategy. The bloc is now considering a new privileges package for Ukraine instead of a fast-track membership process. This approach reflects the ongoing debate about the future of EU enlargement and the challenges that lie ahead for both Ukraine and the bloc.