**Germany’s Chancellor Gives a Reality Check on Ukraine’s EU Membership**
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that it is unlikely for Ukraine to join the European Union before the end of the bloc’s next budget cycle in 2034. This announcement comes as a reality check for those who had hoped for a faster integration process.
Speaking after a meeting with Romanian President Nicusor Dan, Merz emphasized that Germany’s priority is to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine and focus on the country’s long-term reconstruction. He stressed that ending the war must come first before any consideration of Ukraine’s EU membership. “For us, the absolute top priority is, first and foremost, to do everything possible to end this war,” Merz said.
Ukraine’s bid for EU membership has been ongoing since 2022, when it was granted candidate status shortly after Russia’s invasion. The accession process involves six negotiation clusters covering various reforms in politics, economy, and law. President Volodymyr Zelensky had set a goal of opening all six negotiation clusters by 2025. Meanwhile, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi had suggested that Ukraine could join the bloc as early as 2029 if it completed the necessary reforms.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has also proposed January 1, 2030, as a target date for Ukraine’s accession. However, Merz’s statement brings this timeline into question. The Chancellor’s words serve as a reminder that the path to EU membership is long and arduous, requiring significant reforms and stability.
As we consider the implications of Merz’s statement, it becomes clear that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union will indeed be a gradual process. It will require perseverance and dedication from all parties involved, including the Ukrainian government, the EU, and other international partners.
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