Merz Downplays Ukraine’s EU Membership Prospects

(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has minimized the likelihood of Ukraine joining the European Union anytime soon, emphasizing that it is improbable during the current budgetary cycle of the bloc, which extends until 2034.

Some EU representatives had earlier speculated that Ukraine might become a member sooner than expected.

Ukraine had made its EU membership a top priority in 2019, formally submitting its application in 2022, just after the escalation of the conflict with Russia.

Later that same year, it was granted candidate status, with the European Commission suggesting that Ukraine could join by 2030, provided it made adequate progress in areas such as political reforms, judicial improvements, and efforts to tackle organized crime and corruption.

Merz made these comments on Friday during a joint press conference with Romanian President Nicusor Dan in Berlin.

“For us, the absolute top priority is, first and foremost, to do everything possible to end this war,” he stated, adding, “then we’ll talk about the reconstruction of Ukraine.”

He also mentioned that the rebuilding process would take "a number of years" and likely extend beyond the EU’s current financial plans.

Membership in the EU requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. While Brussels supports Kiev’s bid, several countries within the bloc, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, remain opposed.

They argue that Ukraine's institutions and economy are not yet ready, and that admitting the country would impose an overwhelming financial burden on the union.

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