Ukrainian president doubles down on target for accession despite pushback from some European leaders
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy doubled down on suggestions that Ukraine would be “technically” ready to join the European Union in 2027, despite pushback from some European leaders this week suggesting that his insistence on a fast-tracked accession was unrealistic and even unnecessarily antagonising some in the bloc.
Luxembourg’s foreign minister, Xavier Bettel, insisted on Thursday that “we have rules and we need to respect them,” as he stressed that he repeatedly asked Zelenskyy to stop putting pressure on the EU on the timing as it was counterproductive.
Even EU’s top official in charge of the enlargement, commissioner Marta Kos, hinted that while the political will was there, more might be needed (Europe Live, Thursday here and here).
“Technically, we will be ready in 2027,” Zelenskyy told reporters, Reuters reported, adding that by the end of 2026 Ukraine will have implemented the main steps required for membership.
