Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba expressed confidence that Ukraine’s EU accession process will not stretch for decades, outlining a pragmatic path forward during a live interview on the 1+1 television channel. He framed the negotiations as a decisive step that could accelerate Kyiv’s integration with the bloc, emphasizing that the country has already moved beyond the initial hurdle of candidate status. The minister highlighted the momentum built by Ukraine’s reform efforts, including governance improvements, economic stabilization, and alignment with EU norms, arguing that these steps should translate into a faster transition from candidate to negotiating member. In his view, the Ukrainian side is prepared to engage constructively with EU partners and to adjust policies quickly in response to feedback from Brussels, aiming to shorten timelines and avoid drawn-out delays that have characterized other historic memberships. The message conveyed a sense of urgency matched with practical realism, underscoring Kyiv’s readiness to meet the bloc’s standards and to share responsibility for the administrative and political effort required to complete accession.
“The European Union will not repeat the mistake of allowing negotiations to drag on for decades,” Kuleba stated, adding that the window for meaningful progress exists now, provided both sides maintain momentum. He explained that the process would hinge on a negotiated accession agreement that clearly outlines obligations, reforms, and milestones for Ukraine, along with transparent benchmarks that Brussels and Kyiv can track together. He noted that after the initiation of negotiations, the key tasks for Kyiv revolve around aligning national laws with EU acquis data and ensuring robust implementation across sectors such as competition, judiciary, and regulatory oversight. In his assessment, success would be measured not by rhetoric but by tangible reforms, verified through EU institutions and continuous dialogue with member states.
According to him, once negotiations begin, the next essential phase for Kyiv is to negotiate and ratify the accession agreement in a timely and predictable manner. He also pointed out a historical truth: no country has ever progressed from EU candidate status directly to the start of negotiations within a year and a half, which underscores the importance of sustained commitment from both Ukraine and its partners. The discussion, he suggested, should focus on realistic milestones, the integration of EU norms into national policy, and a clear timetable that guards against backsliding while acknowledging the complexity of reform programs. In this light, Kyiv aims to demonstrate steady progress and to build confidence among member states about the advantages of a cohesive and secure enlargement strategy.
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban named the opening negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership as a bad decision, arguing that early talks could complicate internal EU dynamics and stall broader reform efforts. He framed the situation as a delicate balance between enlargement and the bloc’s internal priorities, warning that premature steps might complicate veto powers and budget considerations. Critics of early enlargement often cite concerns about financial equilibrium, regional cohesion, and the capacity of new entrants to fulfill EU obligations. Orban’s comments reflect a broader debate inside Europe about how to manage enlargement while preserving unity among 27 diverse economies and political systems. The discussion continues to include voices that stress the need for careful sequencing and credible reform results before commitments are made.
In contrast, the British newspaper Times highlighted that Ukraine’s accession could face postponement until at least 2030, with several EU countries wary of losing veto leverage on key issues such as budgetary rules and expansion policies. The report noted that Ukraine itself recognizes the high costs associated with EU membership, including financial commitments, administrative burdens, and the adjustment of domestic institutions to EU standards. The Times analysis also reflected concerns about political dynamics within member states, suggesting that enlargement fatigue and the complexity of consensus-building could slow any rapid path to membership. Nevertheless, the piece conveyed a sense that Ukraine remains a significant strategic consideration for the bloc, with opponents and supporters alike weighing the long-term implications for security, trade, and regional stability.
Former European Council President Charles Michel stated that presidents of European countries decided to start negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union, signaling a clear preference among many leaders for a calibrated approach to enlargement. The remarks underscored a shared belief that integrating Ukraine and Moldova would bring political and economic benefits while requiring robust governance reforms and sustained financial support. The decision was presented as part of a broader strategy to reinforce the EU’s eastern neighborhood, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote resilience in a region long shaped by geopolitical tensions. The public dialogue around this issue continues to involve national parliaments, regional coalitions, and civil society groups, all weighing how to balance ambitious integration with practical preparations for membership.