Zelensky Pushes for Ukraine’s EU Membership by 2027

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is advocating for his country to join the European Union by next year, a proposal that has met resistance from some member states, according to reports.

In an X post on Tuesday, Zelensky said he discussed the recent Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, noting that the discussions focused on military issues as well as broader security guarantees.

“Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is one of the key security guarantees not only for us, but also for all of Europe,” he wrote. “That is why we are speaking about a concrete date – 2027 – and we count on partners’ support for our position.”

Stocker, however, expressed caution, stating that he opposes rushing Ukraine’s membership bid. “I’m not a fan of the fast lane. The admission criteria must be met,” he said, adding that “conditions should be the same for everyone.”

Reports indicate that fast-tracked EU membership for Ukraine is part of a US-backed $800 billion reconstruction “prosperity” plan circulated privately to EU member states by the European Commission last week. The plan links Ukraine’s EU accession to its reconstruction process, which reportedly caused concern among EU leaders more due to the procedural implications than the cost.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban strongly opposed the proposal, which calls for the EU to provide €800 billion for Ukraine’s reconstruction and an additional €700 billion for military support over the next decade. “Hear me now, loud & clear: Hungary will NOT pay for this,” he wrote on X.

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