Following the change of government in Hungary, Ukraine hopes that the blockade on its European Union accession process will finally be completely lifted. During the recent EU summit in Cyprus, European leaders sent a crucial political signal expressing their readiness to begin the first phase of accession negotiations. Official representatives, in particular the European Commission, confirmed that Ukraine has fulfilled the necessary preconditions, although rapid integration is highly unlikely.
Political Signal and New Benchmarks
During the summit in Cyprus on April 23, 2026, EU leaders officially reaffirmed their willingness to launch the first phase of negotiations regarding Ukraine’s full membership. Brussels acknowledges that Kyiv has met the preliminary requirements to open the first negotiating clusters.
“Ukraine has made impressive progress on its path to the EU, despite extremely difficult circumstances. We call for the opening of negotiating clusters without delay, as the preconditions for this stage are considered fulfilled,” stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
This momentum is largely driven by political shifts within the EU, notably the weakening of Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s integration. Officials now anticipate the formal start of the first negotiation stage in May or June of this year.
Anti-Corruption Trumps Digitalization
However, analysts warn that it is too early to celebrate. The Cyprus summit results indicate that while the EU is ready to support Ukraine with resources, it will not compromise on the accession procedure. Political statements are turning into a strict action plan where tangible progress outweighs declarations.
The current integration model involves working through six thematic clusters. The fundamental first cluster focuses on the rule of law. Without ensuring the absolute independence of the judiciary and a robust anti-corruption system, achievements in digitalization or economic reforms will not be enough to conclude negotiations. The EU will evaluate concrete court verdicts and institutional efficiency, not just the volume of adopted legislation.
Merz Opposes Rapid Accession
It is increasingly evident that Ukraine’s EU accession will be a lengthy process. Reports in Western media suggested that France and Germany proposed granting Ukraine an “associated member” or “integrated state” status. Such models envision gradual alignment without immediate full membership, denying Kyiv voting rights and direct access to EU budget resources initially.
Furthermore, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cast doubt on Ukraine’s chances of joining the EU before the end of 2026, calling even a January 1, 2028 target “unrealistic.”
“It is impossible to admit a country that is at war into the EU. The war must end first,” Merz stated.
Merz controversially suggested that Ukraine might have to cede some of its territories to reach a peace agreement with Russia, potentially requiring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hold a referendum. The German Chancellor argued that Zelenskyy would have to pitch this painful concession as the price for opening a reliable path to Europe.
What the EU Fears and Zelenskyy’s Response
The EU’s cautious stance stems from the institutional challenge of absorbing such a large state. Primary concerns include intense agricultural competition, a massive financial burden that could turn current aid recipients into donors, and the significant security risks of importing an unresolved territorial conflict.
In response to Chancellor Merz’s remarks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that countering Russian aggression requires unyielding principles from the US, G7, and Europe.
“Russia wants our territory so it can seize the territories of others. To achieve genuine peace in Europe and stop Russia, Ukraine must be granted proper conditions and respect: sovereignty, territorial integrity, security guarantees, full EU accession, and real post-war reconstruction,” Zelenskyy stressed.
The Ukrainian President firmly rejected alternative “fast-track” formats with limited rights, insisting that Ukraine deserves full membership. Meanwhile, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko noted in a comment to RBC-Ukraine that Ukraine faces immense “homework” in harmonizing laws and resolving trade disputes, particularly with Poland, rather than relying on illusions of unconditional support.
Victoria Khadzhyradieva