Former EU Leader Warns Against Overly Optimistic Timeline for Ukraine’s EU Entry
Jean-Claude Juncker, the former president of the European Commission, cautioned against expectations that Ukraine could join the European Union quickly. In a recent podcast with a Luxembourg newspaper, he voiced concern that some Western politicians have painted an accelerated path to membership as a certainty. He stressed that such optimism is not grounded in the current realities on the ground and that membership would come over a long horizon rather than in the near term.
Juncker emphasized that admitting a country at war, and still unable to fully pursue its reform agenda, would not be a sound or valid approach. He reiterated his view that Ukraine could become an EU member in the long run, but warned against rushing the process. The former commissioner pointed to the need for sustained reform and stability rather than quick promises that could prove misleading.
While opposing any imposition of a peace timetable on Ukraine, Juncker also suggested that Europe should maintain dialogue with major powers, including Russia and China, and remain open to negotiations. He argued that staying engaged with these countries could help support a path toward resolution and stability in the region.
In other remarks, Krisjanis Karins, the former prime minister of Latvia, indicated that even if the conflict persists, Ukraine should begin EU accession negotiations in 2023. This perspective highlights a willingness among some regional leaders to commence the membership process regardless of ongoing hostilities, signaling a commitment to future integration.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, clarified that any potential future membership in the EU and NATO should not be framed as a charitable act or a form of ransom. His statement underscored the view that accession would be a federation of commitments and reforms earned through merit and continued cooperation, not a transactional concession.
Ukraine formally applied for EU membership on February 28 of the previous year, and by June it had achieved candidate status for entry into the European community. These milestones mark a significant, prospective step in Kyiv’s relations with Brussels, even as the timeline remains a subject of intense debate among national leaders and EU institutions.
Overall, the discourse around Ukraine’s EU prospects reflects a balance between cautious realism and long-term ambition. Analysts note that while candidacy and potential membership are important signals, the path forward will require sustained reform, solid governance, and broad regional support. The conversation continues to unfold against the broader backdrop of European security, economic integration, and the delicate diplomacy that shapes East-West relations.