Some EU countries oppose Ukraine's EU membership by 2027 under US plan – FT

According to the publication, the lack of consensus within the European Union is the reason for revising the specific timeline for Ukraine's accession, despite Washington viewing Kyiv's European integration as one of the key components of a broader peace settlement.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka stressed that Ukraine’s accession to the EU requires "very bold political commitment" from all member states of the bloc.

"For Ukraine and for Europe as well, it is important to have a very bold political commitment of all EU member states that Ukraine will join the European Union as early as possible, and ideally with a clear date," Kachka said.

He confirmed that Kyiv continues to hope for an accelerated European integration process within the framework of peace agreements, but acknowledged that there is currently no agreed accession date.

The EU is also discussing the possibility of revising the enlargement mechanism itself, including the creation of a two-tier membership model. Such an approach would allow Ukraine to join the European Union before fully meeting all requirements, but with limited access to certain benefits.

Previously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine could potentially be ready for accession by 2030. At the same time, according to Kachka, under conditions of geopolitical necessity, this process could be significantly shortened, although the final timeline remains subject to negotiations.

Talks between Ukraine, the United States, and the EU also cover the issue of financing post-war reconstruction, which is estimated at around €800 billion by 2040, as well as the conditions for providing further financial assistance and fulfilling anti-corruption commitments.

Ukraine's accession to the EU

The US peace plan envisages accelerated accession of Ukraine to the European Union no later than 2027. In Washington, officials believe they will be able to overcome opposition from Hungary and other countries that are skeptical of such a decision.

At the same time, the issue of Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU remains contentious. As Reuters reports, EU officials say that accession by 2027 is currently unlikely, as Ukraine has not yet officially completed any of the 36 stages of the negotiation process.

Meanwhile, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos recently gave a positive assessment of the pace of reforms in Ukraine required for membership, emphasizing that accession to the EU should take place as soon as possible.

Financial Times also reported that the EU is considering an option to grant Ukraine membership with limited rights. At the same time, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Ukraine's accelerated accession to the European Union from January 1, 2027, is part of a broader plan to end the war.