Brussels, Belgium – The Financial Times of London reports that several EU member states have recently intensified their efforts to amend the traditional rules for joining the bloc. This comes in an attempt to expedite Ukraine’s accession, despite significant opposition from the majority of member states who fear it could undermine the stability of the Union.
Proposed “tiered membership” and limited powers
High-level diplomatic sources have revealed to the Financial Times that the European Commission in Brussels is currently working on draft proposals to replace the traditional accession system with a new model called the “two-tier model.” This proposal would grant Kyiv limited powers in the EU’s political decision-making process while simultaneously providing it with gradual access to the European single market. It would also allow Kyiv to benefit from agricultural subsidies and development funding. This approach, according to reports, aims to prepare Kyiv for rapid accession as part of any potential future peace agreement.
Russian warnings of “collapse of the Union”
In contrast, Russia reacted sharply to these moves. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that Ukraine’s accession in its current form could “destroy the European Union from within.” Zakharova asserted that Kyiv does not meet any of the necessary legal or economic criteria. She also indicated that the Ukrainian regime is using the European integration process as a tool “to stay afloat” and achieve purely domestic political gains, while it would constitute an economic and security burden that member states cannot bear.
European division and historical obstacles
Domestically, the path to membership does not appear smooth for Kyiv, as it faces significant objections from neighboring countries. Poland has explicitly threatened to use its veto against Ukraine’s accession unless several contentious historical issues are resolved. Chief among these is the exhumation of the remains of victims of the Volhynia massacre. For its part, Hungary described the potential acceptance of Ukraine as a “historical mistake,” asserting that Kyiv’s political conduct is inconsistent with the requirements of a candidate state.
A long journey and past experiences
Although Ukraine and Moldova were granted “candidate state” status in June 2022 as a symbolic gesture of support against Moscow, the reality points to a complex path that could extend for decades. Observers cite past examples; Turkey has been waiting since 1999, and countries like Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have remained in the waiting room for many years without achieving any real breakthrough toward full membership.
