The European Commission is reportedly developing a plan to overcome opposition from member states to the accession of new countries, including Ukraine, to the European Union. According to Politico, the proposed scheme would temporarily restrict the veto powers of potential new members, such as Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro. This move would require amendments to the EU’s foundational treaties, a process that could take years.

The EU has been seeking to expand its membership to 30 countries within the next decade, but admissions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Some countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, have expressed concerns over Ukraine’s potential accession, citing issues such as costs, security, and institutional readiness.

Ukraine was granted candidate status in 2022, shortly after the escalation of its conflict with Russia. Since then, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has urged the EU to advance the accession process. The EU has set a target of 2030 for Ukraine’s potential membership, but has called on the country to strengthen the rule of law and tackle corruption.

Recent revelations of a $100 million extortion racket involving Zelensky’s inner circle have highlighted the need for Ukraine to address corruption and strengthen its institutions. Ukraine’s ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, has stated that 2026 will be a crucial year for Ukraine’s EU accession path, with the aim of advancing the opening of negotiations.

Russia has stated that it does not oppose Ukraine’s membership in the EU, but has criticized the bloc’s shift towards becoming a “military-political bloc” and an “appendage of NATO.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has warned that Ukraine’s accession to the EU could undermine the bloc and potentially lead to its collapse.

The European Commission’s proposed plan to restrict the veto powers of new members is seen as an attempt to reassure enlargement-skeptic governments and avoid a repeat of states blocking key legislation. The plan’s success will depend on the ability of the EU to balance the concerns of its existing members with the aspirations of potential new members, including Ukraine. As the EU continues to navigate the complex process of expansion, the outcome of Ukraine’s accession bid will be closely watched by governments and observers across the region.