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EU Considers “Membership-Lite” Option for Ukraine
(MENAFN) EU officials are exploring a limited form of membership for Ukraine that would allow it to participate in the bloc without meeting the usual entry requirements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing rule changes to create a two-tier system that could integrate Kiev before it completes all reforms.
Ukraine aims for full EU membership by 2027 and wants it tied to a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. The plan would give Kiev “a seat at the EU table before carrying out the reforms needed for full membership privileges,” according to diplomatic sources. A “gradual membership” model is also under review.
The proposed “membership-lite” approach, potentially extended to Moldova and Albania, faces opposition from Hungary. Proponents hope Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will lose April’s parliamentary election; if he wins, US pressure or suspending Hungary’s voting rights via Article 7 could be considered.
Germany reportedly opposes the plan, though France, Italy, and Poland could sway the debate. Moscow has blamed the EU for exacerbating the Ukraine crisis, citing the 2014 Euromaidan protests triggered by Kiev postponing an EU association agreement.
EU officials argue Ukraine is making reform progress, but corruption scandals involving senior officials have raised doubts. Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted some unpopular measures. Verkhovna Rada Financial Committee Chair Daniil Getmantsev warned that obstructing MPs could create a budgetary “disaster” if it blocks further international loans.
Ukraine aims for full EU membership by 2027 and wants it tied to a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. The plan would give Kiev “a seat at the EU table before carrying out the reforms needed for full membership privileges,” according to diplomatic sources. A “gradual membership” model is also under review.
The proposed “membership-lite” approach, potentially extended to Moldova and Albania, faces opposition from Hungary. Proponents hope Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will lose April’s parliamentary election; if he wins, US pressure or suspending Hungary’s voting rights via Article 7 could be considered.
Germany reportedly opposes the plan, though France, Italy, and Poland could sway the debate. Moscow has blamed the EU for exacerbating the Ukraine crisis, citing the 2014 Euromaidan protests triggered by Kiev postponing an EU association agreement.
EU officials argue Ukraine is making reform progress, but corruption scandals involving senior officials have raised doubts. Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted some unpopular measures. Verkhovna Rada Financial Committee Chair Daniil Getmantsev warned that obstructing MPs could create a budgetary “disaster” if it blocks further international loans.
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