EU Capitals Resist Ukraine's 2027 Accession

Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is advocating for a fast-track entry into the European Union by 2027 as part of a peace settlement to end the war with Russia. This move is intended to secure Ukraine's position within Europe and provide a path to greater prosperity and security. However, key EU member states, including France and Germany, are expressing significant skepticism about accelerating the accession process. Concerns revolve around Ukraine's readiness for reforms, particularly in combating corruption, and the potential for opening a 'Pandora's box' of problems. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka has proposed safeguards to address these concerns, but analysts and diplomats see little appetite for bold moves like the 'reverse enlargement' concept floated by International===European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The current process is lengthy and bureaucratic, requiring unanimous approval from all 27 EU members, with Hungary having previously blocked Ukraine's path. While full accession in the near future seems unlikely, accelerated integration into specific EU programs and policies is considered more feasible.