EU Seeks New Enlargement Model Following Ukraine's Application — FT
The European Union is considering changing its current enlargement model in light of Ukraine’s application for EU membership.
This was stated by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in an interview with the Financial Times.
According to her, the current system for joining the European Union may prove insufficiently effective for integrating new countries, particularly Ukraine.
“We need a more innovative approach,” Kos emphasized.
She urged EU countries to agree on a new enlargement format more quickly, otherwise the process could slow down significantly.
Among the ideas currently being discussed in Brussels are a phased integration model and the possibility of granting Ukraine the status of an associate member with expanded rights.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously proposed such an initiative, but it has received a mixed reaction in EU countries.
Marta Kos stated that support is growing within the European Union for a combined approach that combines the principle of evaluating reforms on their merits with the gradual integration of candidates into European structures.
At the same time, the European Commissioner emphasized that the EU’s key requirements remain unchanged:
▪️ the rule of law
▪️ the independence of the
judiciary ▪️ the fight against corruption
Kos also suggested that as early as this summer, the EU could formally separate the accession negotiation processes for Ukraine and Moldova.
At the same time, she stressed that Ukraine remains a priority for enlargement due to its size and significance for the European Union.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed introducing a new “associated membership” format for Ukraine within the EU until it obtains full membership status.
The head of Italy’s Foreign Ministry officially confirmed that his country fully supports granting Ukraine full membership in the European Union.
