Mertz considers the quick admission of Ukraine to the EU unrealistic.

The Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, noted that he does not see opportunities for the fastest possible entry of Ukraine into the European Union.

Key theses:

• Mertz believes that the prospects of Ukraine’s prompt accession to the EU are small due to the importance of compliance with the Copenhagen conditions.
• Rejecting the probability of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union in 2027 is a statement made by Mertz after consultations in Berlin.

Mertz rejects the idea of ​​immediate accession of Ukraine to the European Community Integration 1 January 2027 is not considered. This is unrealistic, Mertz said after the meetings between the SPD and CDU/CSU leaders at the office in Berlin.

He argued that every state that aspires to join the EU must meet the Copenhagen requirements. And usually this process lasts several years.

At the same time, Mertz emphasized that it is important for Ukraine to have a horizon that will prepare the ground for accession. However, this is a long process.

We are able to gradually bring Ukraine closer to the European Union. It is always possible, but joining so quickly is simply not advisable.

Friedrich Mertz

Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

It should be noted that in December 2025, the Financial Times information resource published information that Ukraine, in the event of a peace agreement and an end to the war, will join the EU by January 1, 2027. According to the media, this issue was discussed at negotiations involving the USA and European countries.

However, the FT reported in December that the EU was resisting, saying that entry by 2027 was still unlikely. The reason is that Ukraine has not officially completed any of the 36 stages of the negotiation process.