Ukraine may reach EU accession deal in 2027, official says
Photo: Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine could close most of the negotiation chapters on EU accession within 12 to 18 months and move on to signing the accession treaty as early as 2027, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka says during the government’s question-and-answer session.
Kachka notes that the European Union had provided Ukraine with 145 requirements for opening negotiation clusters in advance.
"Most of them concern bringing Ukrainian legislation into line with EU standards, as well as the day-to-day practices of institutions. All these requirements are realistic. Over the next 12–18 months, we can close most of the negotiation chapters and move on to signing the EU accession treaty next year," the Deputy Prime Minister says.
He clarifies that in March, Ukraine received a second set of conditions for the successful completion of technical negotiations across all chapters. Currently, technical work with the European Commission is underway across all six clusters.
At the same time, Kachka notes that even after the possible signing of the accession treaty, the process will not yet be complete: the document must be ratified by the parliaments of all EU countries, as well as in Ukraine, which could take several years.
Ukraine's accession to EU
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian government would do everything to ensure the country is ready to join the European Union by 2027.
At the same time, Kyiv called on Brussels to set January 1, 2027, as the date for Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
At the same time, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that Ukraine’s accession to the EU in 2027 is impossible. According to her, the membership process depends on two specific factors: achieving peace and implementing reforms.
In addition, the governments of some European countries do not support active discussions or the acceleration of the accession of new members, particularly Ukraine. These countries include France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Recently, Germany and France proposed a so-called light membership format for Ukraine. It provides for certain symbolic privileges and a mutual defense clause, but does not grant Kyiv voting rights.
