Merk: Ukraine's EU accession by 2027 unattainable

German Chancellor Friedrich Merk stated in an interview that Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2027 is impossible. He said that all EU membership candidates must meet necessary criteria, and Ukraine is no exception. Merk emphasized that the EU evaluation system requires compliance with a number of standards, including political, economic, and legal reforms, as well as other conditions which, in the chancellor's opinion, Ukraine has not yet fully met. He noted that decisions on accession are made based on joint agreement among all Union members.

Context

Ukraine officially became an EU candidate in 1994, and its status was clarified in 2020, but full compliance with requirements has not yet been achieved.