Netherlands to start talks with partners on Ukraine's accession timeline — Dutch PM
EU to begin debates on setting Ukraine's accession timeline (photo: Getty Images)
The European Union will begin discussions to set realistic timelines for Ukraine's accession, clarifying Kyiv's path toward full membership, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said during his joint briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Netherlands' stance on Ukraine's EU membership
Prime Minister Jetten emphasized that the Netherlands' stance remains unchanged—Ukraine must become part of the European community.
He also praised Kyiv for implementing reforms despite the challenges of war.
"The Netherlands realizes absolutely clearly that Ukraine's future is in Europe. Ukraine must become an EU member as a result of this process," Jetten said.
He added that Amsterdam will soon start dialogue with EU partners to establish a clearer vision and timeline for the accession process.
Reforms, progress assessment
The Dutch prime minister also highlighted the Ukrainian government's efforts to reform the state even amid full-scale Russian aggression.
"I am absolutely impressed by what has been achieved over the past few years, despite wartime conditions, implementing all the necessary reforms for EU membership," Rob Jetten said.
Background, calls from Kyiv
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged EU leaders to announce a specific accession date without delay, arguing that this would prevent Russia and its European allies from blocking the process for years.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it is currently impossible to set exact dates, as accession depends on the candidate country's achievements.
Ukraine's path to EU
The EU has already begun discussions on reforming internal rules to accommodate enlargement. In particular, the bloc plans to update four-decade-old regulations to adapt the budgets and the decision-making system for the accession of new members, including Ukraine.
At the same time, the question of a specific accession timeline remains debated. The EU has ruled out announcing an exact date in the near future, emphasizing that all criteria must be met first.
The situation is further complicated by internal disagreements among EU partners. Recently, two allies opposed fast-tracking Ukraine's entry, calling it a "Pandora's box" for European stability.
Despite these challenges, Kyiv insists on a political decision regarding membership, one that would send a clear signal to citizens and investors about the irreversibility of Ukraine's European course.
