The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, stated on Wednesday that Ukraine will not be able to join the European Union on January 1, 2027.
Source: Merz, quoted by dpa
Comments: According to a German publication, Merz made this statement after a meeting with his coalition partners in Berlin.
Quote from Merz: "Joining on January 1, 2027, is impossible. It is not realistic."
Additional Information: The Chancellor emphasized that countries aspiring to become EU members must first meet the Copenhagen criteria, which usually takes several years.
However, he stressed that Ukraine needs to have a perspective that ensures a path to membership in the future.
Quote from Merz: "We can gradually bring Ukraine closer to the European Union."
"This is possible, but such a rapid accession is simply not realistic."
Regarding the war with Russia, Merz noted that there are currently other priorities.
Quote from Merz: "We maintain close contact with the delegations of the USA and Ukraine. We have also jointly prepared documents, and it is good that direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing."
"We provide significant support to these negotiations and hope that they will conclude as soon as possible."
Comments: It is worth noting that Merz's words came after statements from his party colleague and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who stated that Ukraine deserves a fair chance to become an EU member.
Quote from Wadephul: "To create a stable architecture of peace in Europe, Ukraine needs a fair chance to join the EU."
Wadephul did not specify a possible date for accession but emphasized that there can be no shortcuts for Kyiv, just as for candidates from the Western Balkans.
Quote from Wadephul: "One of the key security guarantees we can provide to Ukraine at this moment is a realistic perspective for EU membership."
Additional Information: According to the minister, such a step may seem distant, but Ukraine's victory in the fight against the Russian aggressor is important for Germany and Europeans.
Reminder:
The President of the European Commission reported that the EU and the USA have come closer to an agreement on a "prosperity plan" for Ukraine, based on five pillars: productivity, integration of Ukraine into the EU market, investments, donors, and reforms.
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, stated that at an informal EU summit, leaders were presented with a confidential document from the European Commission, which envisages Ukraine's membership in the European Union by 2027.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha, reacted to the statement by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban about "not letting Ukraine into the EU for 100 years," noting that he is exaggerating his influence on this process.
