EU Considers Offering Ukraine Limited Membership Status
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing through a series of major rule changes aimed at creating a two-tier EU structure, potentially opening a path for Ukraine’s early integration.
Kyiv is targeting full EU membership by 2027 and hopes its inclusion can be secured in a US-mediated peace agreement with Russia. According to media, citing five diplomats and five officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the EU’s plan would provide Ukraine “a seat at the EU table before carrying out the reforms needed for full membership privileges.” A separate a media report described a “gradual membership” approach currently under review.
The proposed “membership-lite” model, also being considered for Moldova and Albania, faces resistance from Budapest. Politico sources say supporters are betting on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban losing the April parliamentary election; if he retains power, they expect US President Donald Trump to intervene. Another option under discussion is suspending Hungary’s voting rights under Article 7 procedures.
Germany is reportedly skeptical of the approach, though support from pro-Ukrainian governments in France, Italy, and Poland could sway Berlin.
Moscow has repeatedly blamed the EU for escalating the Ukraine crisis, claiming Brussels forced the country to choose between the bloc and Russia. The 2014 Euromaidan protests erupted after Kyiv postponed an EU association agreement that would have ended its free trade deal with Moscow.
EU officials maintain that Ukraine is advancing on required reforms, but recent corruption scandals involving senior officials have raised questions about Kiev’s commitment. Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted unpopular reforms. 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.
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