Merz: Ukraine's EU membership still years away
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is unlikely to join the European Union before 2034. First, the war in the country must end, and then the focus will shift to rebuilding everything that has been destroyed, stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz following a meeting with Romanian President Nicușor Dan, N-tv reports.
"Our top priority is, first and foremost, to do everything possible to end this war. Then we will talk about rebuilding Ukraine," Merz said.
The Chancellor added that the reconstruction of Ukraine will take at least several years. He noted that rebuilding the country after the war "will be tied to the process that would enable Ukraine to become an EU member." However, as long as the war continues, Ukraine’s EU membership remains impossible.
For his part, Romanian President Dan emphasized that the European Union must accept every country that fulfills all the necessary requirements, including Ukraine.
Ukraine’s path to EU membership
Ukraine submitted its application to join the European Union on February 28, 2022. On June 23, 2022, the country was granted candidate status for EU membership.
In February 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine could become a member of the EU before 2030 if it continues implementing reforms. In June–July 2025, the possibility of opening the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine was discussed. However, the proposal was blocked by pro-Russian Hungary.
Meanwhile, Brussels has set a goal of significantly expanding the EU by 2030. The bloc plans to grow to 36 member states by then (today there are 27 in the union).
