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EU Foreign Policy Head Kaja Kallas addressed the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, emphasizing that EU nations are not prepared to assign a definitive membership date for Ukraine, despite President Volodymyr Zelensky’s insistence on having such a deadline. Zelensky reiterated on Saturday that securing a date is vital for security assurances in a comprehensive peace agreement with Russia.
Kallas stated, “My impression is that member states are not ready to commit to a specific date; there’s significant work still to be done.”
Ukraine has been advocating for EU membership by 2027, a timeline that appears in a 20-point peace plan discussed among the United States, Ukraine, and the EU, aiming to stabilize Ukraine’s economy after the conflict concludes. However, many EU countries dismiss this fixed timeline as unrealistic because accession depends on an applicant’s adherence to EU standards and progress in legal reforms.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics acknowledged the lack of readiness to set a firm date but suggested that the EU has historically been flexible when truly necessary. He hinted that the EU might find a tailored approach, but this would also need to consider the aspirations of Western Balkan countries and Moldova, long-standing candidates for membership.
“The peace deal is closely linked to Ukraine’s EU accession,” Rinkevics said. “If Russia doesn’t make a move, then a peace agreement is unlikely.”
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has applied to join the EU, seeking political and economic alignment with Western institutions despite obstacles, including Hungary’s opposition to starting detailed membership negotiations. The push for swift integration continues amidst ongoing conflict and diplomatic challenges.
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