Ukraine Could Join the EU as Early as 2027

The European Union is reportedly developing an unprecedented "simplified membership" model for Ukraine. If this new plan is successfully implemented, Kyiv could partially join the bloc as early as 2027, according to a report by Politico.

Key Pillars of the Plan:

The EU is providing Ukraine with informal guidelines and support to align its legislative framework. Marilena Raouna, Cyprus's Deputy Minister for European Affairs, emphasized that there will be no shortcuts regarding reforms, and Ukraine must fulfill all mandatory requirements.

The "Reverse Expansion" Model:

This unique accession variant suggests a country joins the bloc first, with rights and obligations being granted in stages thereafter. This approach is intended to send a strong political signal despite the obstacles posed by the ongoing war.

The Primary Hurdle: Hungary’s Veto

Any decision regarding EU expansion requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Currently, Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, remains the chief opponent. Brussels is considering three potential paths to resolve this:

Hungarian Elections: If Orbán loses the upcoming April elections to opposition leader Péter Magyar, Budapest's stance could shift significantly.

Trump’s Influence: Should Orbán remain in power, U.S. President Donald Trump might exert influence. Trump’s peace plan reportedly includes Ukraine’s accession to the EU by 2027.

Article 7 Invocation: If negotiations fail, the EU may invoke Article 7 to suspend Hungary’s voting rights. This is the most severe political sanction available against a member state found to be violating the bloc's core values.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country will be technically prepared for membership by 2027.

"For us, the European Union is a guarantee of security. By 2027, we aim to end the war, secure safety guarantees, and complete our technical readiness," Zelenskyy remarked.