The European Union is contemplating significant changes to its membership criteria, a framework that has been in place for over four decades, in a bid to facilitate Ukraine’s accession. However, any modifications will require unanimous agreement from all EU member states.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Ukraine is not standing still. We are innovative and think outside the box in times when standards do not exist. But the crucial question now is when this membership will materialize for Ukraine.”
Várhelyi acknowledged that the current enlargement methodology was designed for peacetime, allowing candidate countries ample time to implement necessary reforms. He noted that the current geopolitical climate does not afford Ukraine the luxury of time.
“We are preparing a new approach to this methodology that will enable not only Ukraine but potentially other candidate countries to integrate more swiftly. However, we must discuss this with all 27 EU member states,” he added.
The Commissioner also pointed out that under the existing framework, it is impossible for Ukraine to achieve EU membership by January 1, 2027.
“The methodology I am referring to has been in use for approximately the last 40 years. If we can successfully change this methodology with the support of all 27 EU countries, and I hope to gain backing from France, we will be able to make this happen. This is a political decision,” Várhelyi stated.
He further elaborated that the accession process consists of two main components: technical and political. “I am actively working on this, and Ukraine is making progress. For instance, by 2024, Ukraine is expected to implement 68 critical reforms, of which 63 have already been completed. This shows that progress is being made rapidly. The other part is political,” he concluded.
The EU is considering revising its long-standing membership rules to expedite Ukraine's accession, contingent on agreement from all member states. The current framework, established for peacetime, does not accommodate the urgency of Ukraine's situation, prompting discussions for a new approach.