Brussels considers new EU enlargement model amid Ukraine's membership bid
Photo: EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos (Getty Images)
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has said that the current EU enlargement mechanism needs to be updated to ensure the effective integration of Ukraine, stressing the need for swift decisions from member states, the Financial Times reports.
Need to reform the EU enlargement system
According to Marta Kos, the current model of EU accession is outdated and may be unable to handle the potential accession of new countries, including Ukraine.
She noted that EU capitals must quickly agree on an updated approach to enlargement, otherwise the integration process could slow down.
Debate over a new format for Ukraine
Kos also commented on an initiative to potentially grant Ukraine associate membership status with expanded rights and deeper integration.
The idea, proposed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has received mixed reactions among EU member states and remains under discussion.
Merit-based principle and gradual integration
The EU commissioner stressed that support is growing within the EU for a combined approach that combines merit-based assessment with gradual integration of countries into European structures.
According to her, the bloc must develop new tools different from current procedures to make the process more flexible.
Ukraine and Moldova: possible timelines
Kos also suggested that a formal separation of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s accession tracks could take place as early as this summer, when official negotiations with each country may be launched separately.
At the same time, she noted that Ukraine remains a priority due to its strategic importance.
EU principles remain unchanged
Despite discussions on reform, Kos stressed that core EU standards — rule of law, an independent judiciary, and anti-corruption efforts — are non-negotiable.
At the same time, she called for a more innovative approach to enlargement to strengthen the EU’s long-term resilience.
According to European officials, Ukraine could complete most accession negotiation chapters within 12–18 months and potentially move toward signing a membership agreement by 2027.
The European Commission has also approved a preliminary schedule for Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and intends to propose opening the first negotiation cluster in mid-June.
