EU is preparing a package of temporary privileges for Ukraine

The new proposal emerged after EU leaders rejected the European Commission’s idea of accelerated enlargement, which would have allowed Ukraine to join before completing key reforms. Instead, Brussels is considering a model of accelerated phased integration, which should provide Ukraine with tangible benefits right now, while it continues to implement the reforms necessary for membership, Politico reports.

“Member states have made it clear that membership in the short term would be very difficult to imagine,” said one diplomat.

Germany and France are actively involved in developing the new proposal.

Last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Ukraine’s accelerated membership impossible. He proposed granting Kyiv the right to participate in European Council meetings without a vote and to be involved in certain European Parliament formats. 
Lithuania proposes granting Ukraine the interim status of an “acceding state.” Previously, this status was granted to countries that had already signed an accession treaty and were awaiting its ratification.

The document asserts that Ukraine’s case demonstrates that its European path has reached a level of stability and commitment that deserves such recognition.

Ukraine insists on concrete economic assistance.

This document will allow Ukrainian industrial goods to cross the European border without additional inspections. Ukraine is asking to involve its companies in discussions on the European Commission’s industrial strategy in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, metallurgy, and the chemical industry.

European officials emphasize that the new package of privileges will in no way replace the official accession process.

According to EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, expectations regarding Ukraine’s full accession in 2027 remain unrealistic.

Ukraine will be able to close the negotiation chapters by the end of 2027 only if it maintains the current pace of reforms.

Photo: uga.ua.