Ukraine's Accession to the EU in 2027: 5 Steps to Membership
The European Union is discussing an unconventional plan that could bring Ukraine closer to membership as early as 2027. This involves a phased entry model that would allow Kyiv to participate in EU activities before completing all reforms. This approach is seen in Brussels as a response to Russia's war against Ukraine and Moscow's attempts to block Kyiv's European integration. This is reported by Politico, citing European and Ukrainian officials.
The Ukrainian authorities insist that the fixation of the accession date to the EU should become an element of a future peace agreement. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that this will strengthen security guarantees and prevent political stalling of the process.
5 Steps to Ukraine's Accession to the EU
According to Politico, the EU has already begun so-called proactive rapprochement with Ukraine. It involves five key steps.
Preparing Ukraine for membership.The EU provides Kyiv with informal recommendations on negotiation clusters and helps initiate reforms even before the official completion of negotiations. Brussels stresses that shortening procedures does not mean abandoning requirements for the judicial system, democracy, and the rule of law.
Introducing a partial membership format.A model of so-called “reverse enlargement” is being discussed, where a country receives political integration and limited rights in the EU before full membership. The EU believes that this will allow Ukraine to maintain motivation for reforms.
Overcoming Hungary's veto.Decisions on EU enlargement require unanimous support from all member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban consistently opposes Ukraine's accession. In Brussels, there are hopes for a change in the political situation after the elections in Hungary or finding alternative solutions.
Engaging the USA to pressure Budapest.European diplomats do not rule out that Washington could influence Hungary's position within broader agreements regarding the cessation of war and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Extreme scenario - limiting Hungary's rights in the EU.If the blockage continues, the EU may allow the return to the application of Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which could lead to Hungary temporarily losing its voting rights.
We remind you that the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz expressed the opinion that Ukraine's accession to the European Union by January 1, 2027, is impossible.
Read also
