Ukraine may join the EU by 2027: Europe is developing a special plan

The European Union is discussing an unprecedented scenario of rapprochement with Ukraine, which could change the very logic of EU enlargement. Find out how the concept could work and why 2027 is being called the potential deadline for Ukraine's accession to the EU

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The European Union is discussing a scenario that could bring Ukraine closer to EU membership in the coming years — even before all formal reforms are completed. This involves a phased, partial accession, which Brussels unofficially refers to as ‘reverse enlargement.’ This was reported by Politico.

According to the concept under discussion, Ukraine could gradually acquire the rights and obligations of an EU member state in parallel with fulfilling the accession criteria. This approach is seen as a political signal of support for Kyiv against the backdrop of war and ongoing internal discussions within the European Union itself.

Special plan for Ukraine's accession to the EU

Unlike the classic model, according to which a country first fully meets all requirements and only then becomes a member of the EU, the new approach provides for the early involvement of the candidate in the institutions of the union. At the same time, Brussels emphasises that no simplifications or reductions in reforms are planned.

One European official noted that this is not about lowering standards, but about rethinking the enlargement process in light of the unprecedented circumstances in which Ukraine finds itself.

First step: accelerated preparation for negotiations

The EU is already providing Ukraine with informal recommendations on negotiation clusters — the legal stages on the path to membership. Kyiv has received detailed information on three of the six clusters, and the other areas are scheduled to be discussed at a meeting of European affairs ministers in Cyprus in March.

Despite the war, Brussels notes the acceleration of reforms in Ukraine and emphasises that there will be ‘no reduction’ in requirements.

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Step two: partial participation in EU institutions

The model under discussion provides for the gradual integration of Ukraine into EU mechanisms with a phased expansion of rights and obligations. However, this idea is controversial within the union. In particular, Germany fears that the creation of multiple levels of membership could lead to unfulfilled promises and institutional overload for the EU.

The key problem is Hungary's position

The main political obstacle remains the resistance of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has consistently opposed Ukraine's accession to the EU. European capitals are closely monitoring the results of the elections in Hungary, although, according to Politico, few believe that Orbán will change his position even after the vote.

If Budapest continues to block the process, the EU may apply external political pressure. In particular, the influence of US President Donald Trump is being considered, as his 20-point peace plan includes Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2027.

Brussels does not rule out that Washington may try to persuade Hungary to lift its veto.

Read also: From the end of 2026, entry into the EU will become subject to a fee for Ukrainians: what will change with ETIAS and how to prepare

Reminder: for those planning to travel to the EU by car, it is important to remember that ETIAS does not replace the mandatory car documents. In particular, a Green Card — an international civil liability insurance policy — is required to cross the border. It can be obtained online at Visit Ukraine in advance to avoid delays and problems at the border.

Extreme measures by the European Union

As a last resort, the EU is discussing the possibility of returning to Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which allows the suspension of a member state's voting rights in the event of a threat to the union's fundamental values.

Theoretically, this could deprive Hungary of the ability to block the enlargement decision.

While such a scenario is considered extreme and politically risky, Brussels is already assessing the level of support for this step in case the blockade continues.

Reminder! A law on multiple citizenship has come into force in Ukraine, changing the rules for Ukrainians and foreigners. Find out which countries allow multiple passports, what restrictions exist, and what this means in practice.

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