EU Membership Timeline for Ukraine: A Political Puzzle

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed doubts about setting a concrete date for Ukraine's EU membership, despite President Zelenskiy's demands. While the 2027 timeline is discussed, many EU governments see it as unrealistic due to the merit-based nature of accession, further complicated by ongoing geopolitical tensions.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed skepticism about providing Ukraine with a concrete date for EU membership, despite President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's calls for one. This issue was highlighted during the Munich Security Conference, where concerns about the realistic nature of a 2027 membership date were discussed.

The potential 2027 timeline forms part of a 20-point peace plan involving the United States and the European Union. However, member states view fixed dates as unrealistic, emphasizing that EU accession is a merit-based process requiring legal and structural reforms in the applicant country.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics supported Kallas' perspective, acknowledging the EU's creative flexibility but highlighting the necessity of a peace deal with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to push for EU membership despite challenges from member states like Hungary blocking progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)