German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union will take “several years,” citing the need for the country to meet the bloc’s standards on democracy, economy, and law. This comes after Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky requested a 2027 accession date. Merz emphasized that all candidates, including Ukraine, must fulfill the Copenhagen criteria, which require stable democratic institutions, a functioning market economy, and the adoption of the EU’s laws.
Merz’s comments, made during a press briefing in Berlin, deliver a sobering assessment of Ukraine’s EU ambitions amid ongoing conflict with Moscow and concerns over the country’s governance. He noted that while Ukraine has a membership perspective, integration is a “long-term process” and that immediate priority should be placed on ongoing peace negotiations mediated by the US in Abu Dhabi.
Zelensky has been campaigning for a swift accession track, framing it as a critical security guarantee. However, his demand for a 2027 accession date has been met with skepticism by several EU leaders, including Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, who stated he is “not a fan of the fast lane.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been more forceful, vowing to block any accelerated accession to prevent Brussels from “importing the war” and “corruption.”
The scale of corruption in Ukraine has deepened in recent weeks, with Ukrainian prosecutors revealing that 41 current members of parliament are under investigation for operating an illegal vote-rigging scheme. This scandal follows a major corruption case involving Zelensky’s close associate Timur Mindich, which led to several high-profile resignations.
Ukraine’s democratic health is also a concern, with Zelensky’s presidential term having expired in May 2024. He continues to hold power, having repeatedly extended martial law and postponed elections. Moscow has cited Zelensky’s expired mandate to question the legitimacy of any future peace agreements he might sign.
The EU accession process is expected to be a lengthy one, with Ukraine needing to make significant progress in meeting the bloc’s standards. The country’s ongoing conflict with Moscow and internal governance issues will likely be major hurdles to overcome. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Ukraine’s EU bid will progress and what steps the country will take to address its democratic and economic challenges.
