German Chancellor Merz suggests Ukraine may accept territorial loss for EU membership
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 27
German Chancellor Merz suggests Ukraine may accept territorial loss for EU membership
12 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 27
Speaking in Marsberg, Merz linked possible Ukrainian territorial concessions in a peace deal with Russia to progress on EU accession, proposing observer roles as interim steps.
He cautioned that Ukraine cannot join the EU while at war and must meet strict criteria, dismissing accession by 2027 or 2028 as unrealistic.
Ukraine's EU bid recently gained momentum after Viktor Orban's electoral defeat, but the bloc remains divided on accession pace despite approving a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine through 2027.
Will Ukraine accept a phased EU entry after rejecting 'symbolic' membership?
Could trading land for EU membership realistically bring a lasting peace to Ukraine?
Can Europe's €90 billion loan secure Ukraine's future without US support?
Does Germany's plan signal a major shift in Europe's strategy for the war?
Is the proposed 'Donnyland' a serious peace plan or a diplomatic distraction?