EU Commissioner Kos denies possibility of Ukraine joining EU in 2027

EU accession impossible within deadline set by Zelensky

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos categorically denied the possibility of granting Ukraine special conditions or accelerating the integration process. She emphasised that no exceptions for Kyiv are provided for.

Commenting on President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement about his desire to join the European Union on 1 January 2027, Kos explained that this deadline does not correspond to reality. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, she noted: "Дата 1 січня 2027 року була встановлена президентом Зеленським. Вступ базується на принципі заслуг: ясно, що ця дата неможлива" (The date of 1 January 2027 was set by President Zelensky. Accession is based on the principle of merit: it is clear that this date is impossible).

Principle of merit and duty to support

The official EU representative underlined that the mechanism for joining the Union does not provide for any privileges. At the same time, she acknowledged the specificity of the situation in Ukraine, emphasising the need to help a country fighting for its existence.

«У процесі вступу немає ні привілеїв, ні поблажок. Але ми маємо враховувати, що Україна веде війну за виживання, тому допомагати їй — також наш обов'язок» (In the accession process, there are no privileges or concessions. But we must take into account that Ukraine is waging a war for survival, so helping it is also our duty), the EU commissioner stated.

Negotiating clusters and absence of shortened procedures

Marta Kos expressed hope that by the end of the current year, it would be possible to start discussions on as many negotiating clusters as possible. However, she warned against excessive optimism regarding a quick result.

The EU commissioner emphasised that gradual integration is not a substitute for full membership. She confirmed that there are "no shortcuts" for candidate countries.

Context: legislative reform and funding

It should be noted that Marta Kos is actively lobbying for Ukraine to adopt a package of laws providing for the removal of law enforcement agencies from the direct control of the president. Currently, a key issue in relations between the EU and Kyiv is whether Europe will issue an ultimatum regarding the adoption of these regulatory acts, specifically by refusing additional financial allocations.

It is worth mentioning that recently it became known about the European Commission's decision to refuse Ukraine an additional €27 billion for the military budget, which Kyiv had requested.