Ukraine targets EU membership by 2027, presses Brussels for clear timeline

(Horizon Weekly) – Ukraine expects to be technically prepared to join the European Union by 2027, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, stressing that faster accession after the end of the war with Russia is central to the country’s long-term security.

Speaking to journalists, Zelensky said Ukraine plans to meet the main membership requirements by the end of 2026. He called on the European Union to provide Kyiv with a clear and realistic accession timetable, emphasizing his government’s commitment to ongoing political and economic reforms.

Ukraine formally applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The country was granted candidate status in June of the same year, marking a major step in its integration with Europe.

International media outlets, including Reuters, the Financial Times, and Politico, have reported that the European Commission is working on a simplified accession framework for Ukraine. The proposal would revise existing enlargement rules and introduce a two-stage membership system.

Under the proposed arrangement, Ukraine could gain partial access to EU structures before becoming a full member. However, this interim status would limit certain rights, including access to EU funding, full participation in the single market, and, in some cases, voting privileges.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said detailed proposals are expected to be presented in February or March, after further technical work is completed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously described EU membership as a key pillar of Ukraine’s future security, linking the country’s European integration to long-term regional stability.