Ukraine’s path to full membership in the European Union is a complex and lengthy process that will not happen overnight, yet it remains fundamentally aligned with Europe’s long-term strategic interests. This assessment was articulated by German political leader Friedrich Merz during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Tuesday, April 14. The statements underscore the delicate balance between Europe’s unwavering support for Kyiv and the pragmatic reality of institutional integration.
During the briefing, which was broadcasted to the public and can be viewed online, Merz emphasized that while Berlin fully supports Ukraine’s ultimate goal of joining the bloc, the integration of such a large nation requires meticulous preparation. He noted that Ukraine’s accession would serve as a strategically vital step toward ensuring enhanced security and prosperity across the entire European continent.
“We support this goal. We understand that it cannot happen quickly and fully, but Ukraine’s accession to the EU will be a strategically important step for greater security and well-being in Europe,” Merz stated. He utilized the platform to urge the Ukrainian government to aggressively pursue its ongoing reform agenda. Specifically, he highlighted the critical need for comprehensive anti-corruption measures and the strengthening of the rule of law. “These efforts will pay off. Every success of this reform is a step towards Europe, and it is in the interest of Europe,” he added.
Furthermore, Merz pointed out that the responsibility does not lie solely with Kyiv. The European Union itself must undergo significant internal preparations to accommodate a country of Ukraine’s geographic and demographic scale. Creating a unified space of security, freedom, and economic stability demands mutual commitment and structural adaptations from current member states. “There are still tasks to be fulfilled on both sides, but if we take this seriously and want a common space of security and freedom, Ukraine must eventually become a member of the EU,” he asserted.
Despite the optimistic long-term outlook, the reality of the accession timeline remains a subject of intense debate within the European Union. Several member states have adopted a more cautious stance, advocating for a stringent and rigorous verification process regarding Ukraine’s domestic reforms. These nations argue that the European Union must thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of administrative initiatives before granting full membership. In some diplomatic circles, there are ongoing suggestions that the complete integration process could extend over a period of 10 to 20 years.
Nevertheless, the overarching sentiment conveyed by Merz and other European leaders is one of inevitability. Ukraine is recognized as one of the largest and most strategically significant countries in Europe, making its eventual membership not just a political aspiration, but a geopolitical necessity for the stability of the region.