German Chancellor Friedrich Merz considers it impossible for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU) by January 1, 2027, emphasizing that the accession process requires strict adherence to established standards.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the "Die Zeit" newspaper, the Chancellor noted that any country seeking EU membership must meet the Copenhagen criteria, a process that typically spans several years. Merz emphasized that while Ukraine must have a clear perspective leading toward membership, a rapid accession remains unrealistic at this stage. "We can gradually bring Ukraine closer to the European Union. Such a path is always possible, but immediate membership is not realistic," he stated.
Furthermore, Merz rejected calls for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine, asserting that the diplomatic process must remain between the primary parties involved. "Negotiations must be conducted between Ukraine and Russia. We do not act as mediators here," the Chancellor added, reinforcing the position that Kyiv must lead its own peace process.
The Copenhagen criteria, established in 1993, serve as the essential benchmarks for any nation wishing to join the EU, requiring stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and a functioning market economy. Since being granted candidate status in 2022, Ukraine has been working to align its legislative and judicial frameworks with European standards. However, the ongoing conflict and the scale of required institutional reforms continue to pose significant challenges to the timeline for full integration into the 27-member bloc.
