politics
April 26, 2026
Ukraine EU bid faces resistance as Berlin rejects fast membership push
Berlin has ruled out quick EU accession for Ukraine, with Merz urging gradual integration while talks on membership continue
TL;DR
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ruled out Ukraine's immediate EU accession, favoring a phased integration.
- Merz proposed closer integration through participation in European councils without voting rights.
- Ukraine's President Zelensky rejected a lesser form of membership and insisted on full accession by 2027.
- Slovakia and Hungary have opposed Ukraine's membership, citing potential conflict with Russia and economic risks.
- Russia views Ukraine's potential EU membership as a move towards an "aggressive military-political bloc" and an "appendage of NATO."
Continue reading the original article