BRUSSELS – The European Commission is exploring a proposal that could allow Ukraine to join the European Union quickly as part of a potential peace deal with Russia, but without granting Kyiv full membership rights immediately. EU officials describe this idea as a way to support Ukraine’s post-war stability while ensuring the country meets the necessary legal and institutional standards over time.
The proposal, still in its early stages, would see Ukraine joining the EU with staged access to voting rights, gradually earning full membership as it implements required reforms. The approach is intended as a gesture to Ukrainians, who after four years of resisting a Russian invasion, seek a credible path toward economic integration with the West.
Background
Ukraine became an EU candidate in June 2022, months after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Formal accession negotiations began at the end of 2023. Traditionally, joining the EU requires years of legislative alignment and approval from all 27 national parliaments. For context, Poland, with a similar population, took 10 years to complete the accession process without being at war.
Despite the usual procedure, EU officials argue that the current geopolitical reality requires a more flexible approach. A peace deal between Ukraine and Russia may involve territorial compromises that could be difficult for Ukrainian voters to accept in a referendum. Limited EU membership could help stabilize the country and provide incentives for completing reforms.
Proposed Approach
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Quick accession: Ukraine would join the EU rapidly as a political gesture of support.
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Staged rights: Full voting and decision-making powers would be phased in based on Ukraine’s progress toward meeting EU criteria.
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Conditional integration: Economic and legal reforms must be implemented before full membership rights are granted.
An EU diplomat emphasized, “It is Europe’s interest to have Ukraine in the EU, because of our own security. Creative solutions are needed to bring Ukraine in quickly while ensuring long-term integration.”
Challenges
Officials acknowledge the plan faces significant hurdles:
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Consensus required: All 27 EU member states must approve the accession and any transitional arrangement.
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Equity concerns: Countries like Montenegro or Albania, which followed the traditional path, may view fast-tracking Ukraine as unfair.
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Complex legal framework: Implementing staged rights would require careful design to avoid conflicts with existing EU rules.
Strategic Importance
EU support for Ukraine is seen not only as a security guarantee but also as a means to strengthen post-war reconstruction and economic growth. Quick, limited membership could give Ukrainians confidence that they are moving toward full integration with Europe, even if territorial and political compromises are necessary.
“The reversed membership concept reflects the urgency of the situation,” said a European Commission official. “It allows Ukraine to join politically now, with full rights to follow once conditions are met.”
Outlook
If implemented, this proposal could set a precedent for future accession talks, especially for countries facing extraordinary circumstances. While the plan remains under discussion, EU leaders are seeking a balance between rapid political support for Ukraine and adherence to established accession procedures.
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