The European Union wants to open “as soon as possible” accession negotiations with Ukraine, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said in Oslo on Thursday, without putting forward a precise timetable. “We want to be able to formally open negotiations as soon as possible and progress in the enlargement process”he declared during a press conference. Before adding: “I can’t say if it will be in 2027, or even 2026 or later, but the important thing is not to lose momentum. »
As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year on Tuesday, prospects for rapid integration remain uncertain. An American plan aimed at ending the conflict suggests kyiv’s entry into the EU as early as January 2027, a deadline considered unrealistic by many experts. Antonio Costa nevertheless praised the efforts undertaken by the Ukrainian authorities: “What is particularly impressive is that Ukraine, despite the terrible war it faces, is implementing the reforms necessary to become a full member of the European Union. »
Strict criteria
To those who suggest an adjusted membership, he offered a reminder of the rules: “There are rules for the membership process. » “Candidate countries are required to meet these criteria”he insisted, referring to the Copenhagen criteria defined in 1993 and confirmed by the Lisbon Treaty. They demand in particular a strong rule of law, a viable market economy and the adoption of“community acquis”. Article 49 of the EU Treaty also provides that “any European state (…) may apply to become a member of the Union »provided that its values are respected.
Any accession also requires the unanimity of the Twenty-Seven. If Viktor Orban’s Hungary had validated the granting of candidate status to kyiv in 2022, it is today showing itself to be rather hostile to the Ukrainian candidacy. Finland holds the record for speed of accession, with less than three years between the submission of its application and its entry into the Union. Conversely, Turkey, officially a candidate for almost thirty years, sees its process frozen.
