Von der Leyen, Zelenskiy Push Ukraine's EU Bid as Decisive Steps Loom in Coming Weeks
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 27
Von der Leyen, Zelenskiy Push Ukraine's EU Bid as Decisive Steps Loom in Coming Weeks
2 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 27
Ursula von der Leyen said she and Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed Ukraine's EU accession path, with the coming weeks set to bring decisive steps in the process.
Her update signals movement on membership talks as Kyiv says it has continued reforms required for joining the bloc.
Friedrich Merz earlier floated an interim associate-membership model that would let Ukraine join EU meetings and institutions without a vote, a plan Zelenskiy called unfair.
Von der Leyen also tied Ukraine's future more closely to Europe's defense buildup, saying air defense, drones and counter-drone capabilities are urgent priorities and Ukraine will be fully integrated into those efforts.
Is the EU ready for the immense financial and political cost of Ukraine's membership?
Is 'staged accession' a genuine path for Ukraine or just a permanent EU waiting room?
Can Europe's defense industry rearm itself and Ukraine without relying on the United States?