The European Union is developing a plan that could grant Ukraine partial membership in the bloc as early as next year. Brussels aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position in Europe and move the country further away from Moscow.
Fast-Track Consideration of Membership
Ukraine could be admitted to the European Union even before completing all necessary reforms. Ten European officials and diplomats told Politico that Ukraine’s accession in 2027 is already included in a draft peace agreement currently under discussion. The Ukrainian government and European officials stress the urgency of the application.
Behind the scenes, the initiative has an unofficial name: “reverse enlargement.” This means the country would effectively become an EU member at the beginning of the reform process rather than after meeting all requirements, as is usually the case. Brussels insists, however, that the standards for Ukraine will not be lowered.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv that Russia will likely try to stop Ukraine’s movement toward the EU.
“We say: name the date. Why a specific date? Because Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and Russia will sign under it,” Zelenskyy said.
European officials say the idea of an urgent EU accession is attractive because it gives Kyiv time to complete reforms in democracy, the judiciary, and the political system – all of which are mandatory for membership.
Requirements for Ukraine’s EU Membership
Politico outlined five stages of Ukraine’s accession process toward joining the EU in 2027. The steps are based on conversations with five diplomats from different countries, three EU officials, and two Ukrainian representatives.
1. Preparing Ukraine
The EU provides Kyiv with recommendations on legal areas that need to be addressed. These are known as negotiation “clusters.” Information has already been delivered for three out of six clusters. Ukraine is expected to receive the remaining details in March. European officials emphasize that EU membership requires a deep transformation of the state. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to meet the requirements and will be technically prepared to join the EU in 2027. For Kyiv, EU membership is also seen as part of security guarantees.
2. Creating a Membership Model
According to Politico, the EU is developing a model of partial membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented several options during meetings with EU member states, including “reverse enlargement.” This format is designed for candidates whose accession is slowed down by war. It applies to Ukraine, as well as Moldova and Albania. A European diplomat stressed that Ukraine needs a political signal demonstrating support.
3. Going Against Hungary
A key condition is securing support from all 27 EU member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán opposes Ukraine’s accession and is widely considered Putin’s closest ally inside the EU. Brussels is closely watching Hungary’s elections scheduled for April, while also looking for ways to bypass Budapest’s veto.
4. Hope in Trump
EU leaders believe Orbán can only be influenced by Donald Trump. Trump supports Orbán and is expected to push Ukraine toward an agreement with Russia. Ukraine’s EU accession by 2027 is included in the draft peace deal. Brussels hopes Trump could pressure Budapest in order to facilitate the signing of the agreement. European diplomats noted that the United States has previously pressured Hungary in the context of negotiations over sanctions against Russia.
5. Stripping Hungary of Voting Rights
If Trump does not influence Hungary, the EU is considering the option of suspending Hungary’s voting rights. This could be done by invoking Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which is used against countries that violate EU values.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the EU officially introduced its 20th package of sanctions against Russia. In addition to sanctions pressure, Brussels is preparing a long-term program for rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure.
