The EU is preparing a "fast-track integration" model for Ukraine that does not involve immediate full membership, according to Politico
European Union member states are working on a package of short-term benefits for Ukraine designed to bring Kyiv as close as possible to the bloc, though without fast-tracking full membership.
This is reported by Politico.
The concept in question is “accelerated gradual integration,” which is intended to give Ukraine expanded access to the EU market, deeper participation in educational and financial programs, as well as involvement in certain political processes even before obtaining full membership.
Among the initiatives under discussion are Ukraine’s participation in European Council meetings without voting rights, the status of “acceding country”—which is typically applied to countries in the final stage of accession—and expanded access to European economic programs.
According to diplomatic sources, the Ukrainian side is counting on the signing of the ACAA agreement, known as “industrial visa-free travel.” It allows for the simplified movement of industrial goods between Ukraine and the EU without additional technical inspections.
Kyiv also seeks more active participation by Ukrainian businesses in strategic sectoral dialogues with the EU, particularly in the automotive, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
Despite political support for Ukraine, European officials acknowledge that EU accession is unlikely in the short term. In particular, Ukraine’s stated target of 2027 is considered unrealistic.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that even with rapid progress on reforms, negotiations could not be concluded before the end of 2027.
The EU expects negotiation clusters to open in the near future. Political changes in certain member states, particularly in Hungary, where the new government is reportedly ready to lift some of the obstacles to Ukraine and Moldova’s progress, are cited as an additional factor that could accelerate the process.
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine will likely have to make difficult decisions in a future peace agreement with Russia. In particular, he suggested that the issue of territories could become part of the negotiations. At the same time, he said, Ukraine should not expect rapid accession to the EU.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the results of a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters, where three key issues were discussed.
