Ukraine could receive a clear plan for EU accession, Politico reports
The European Union is developing special roadmaps for Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova and Albania. The documents are intended to outline specific steps and approximate timelines for completing accession negotiations with the EU,according to Politico.
Brussels prepares a new approach
According to two senior EU officials who spoke to Politico, the four countries considered the most advanced candidates could receive a clearer roadmap for moving toward membership.
The documents are expected to outline the necessary reforms and approximate timelines for completing negotiating clusters.
Under the European Commission's plan, the roadmaps are intended to define not only the requirements for candidate countries but also the commitments of EU member states on which further progress in the negotiations depends.
What will change
A European Commission representative confirmed that the documents are being prepared. According to the official, they will set out priorities, timelines and specific results to help the most advanced candidates complete the necessary reforms.
At this stage, the roadmaps are not expected to be offered to Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The same format is not planned for Georgia, Turkey or Serbia, where the European integration process is facing problems.
At the same time, the EU is reviewing its policy on preparing for future enlargement. The proposed approach envisages the gradual integration of candidate countries through economic benefits and access to joint projects depending on their progress on reforms. The updated policy is expected to be presented to officials on October 6.
As a reminder, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Ukraine joining the European Union by January 1, 2027, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had proposed, was unrealistic. He added that he did not consider the country's EU membership possible even by 2028.
