Merz suggests Ukraine may have to accept territorial losses on path to EU
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Kyiv may have to accept the loss of some territories as part of a future peace agreement with Moscow. Such concessions are being linked to Ukraine’s prospects for EU membership, stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to Reuters.
"At some point, Ukraine will sign a ceasefire agreement; at some point, hopefully, a peace treaty with Russia. Then it may be that part of Ukraine's territory is no longer Ukrainian," Merz said.
The Chancellor noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would need to hold a referendum if he wants to communicate such a decision to the public and secure their support.
At the same time, Merz warned against overly optimistic expectations of a swift accession, noting that Kyiv cannot join the bloc while the war is ongoing. He added that Ukraine must first meet strict criteria, particularly in terms of the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.
"Zelenskyy had the idea of joining the EU on January 1, 2027. That will not work. Even January 1, 2028 is not realistic," the Chancellor emphasized.
Merz proposed intermediate steps, such as granting Ukraine observer status in EU institutions. According to him, this idea received broad support among European leaders at a summit in Cyprus.
Ukraine’s EU accession
Germany and France recently proposed a "lighter" membership format for Ukraine. It includes granting certain "symbolic" benefits and includes a mutual defense clause, but does not give Kyiv voting rights.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha firmly rejected the idea of phased membership, stressing that Ukraine is rapidly fulfilling all requirements for full integration.
At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka said that Ukraine is ready to temporarily delay access to some European Union benefits. According to him, such a step would help accelerate accession and ease disputes with neighboring countries.
