EU is preparing a package of preferences for Ukraine that will help it integrate without fast-track membership

EU countries are preparing a package of benefits for Ukraine to bring it closer to the bloc, but without granting it a fast-track entry. The proposal is still being formulated, writes Politico, citing four diplomats.

It is expected to include expanded market access and greater participation in EU programs and institutions. Kyiv has signaled that it is not against it.

“Ukraine’s priority remains full membership in the EU. But we also expect early, tangible steps that will make integration a reality now,” said Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU Vsevolod Chernov.

The idea of ​​creating a package of benefits for Ukraine arose after a tense dinner in March, at which EU members rejected the European Commission’s proposals for a “reverse enlargement,” according to which Ukraine could become an EU member before it has completed the necessary reforms. The bloc has begun working on an alternative so that Ukraine could move closer to the EU but continue to work on reforms.

One diplomat described the proposal as an accelerated, gradual integration. It is expected to integrate Ukraine into some of the EU’s markets, funding schemes and political institutions. Countries supporting such a model include Germany and France, Ukraine’s strong partners who are wary of rushing it into membership.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that immediate EU membership for Ukraine was “of course impossible” but suggested that Kyiv could be offered “participation in the Councils of Europe without voting rights” and participation in separate formats with other institutions, including the Parliament.

Another proposal is to grant Ukraine the status of “country in the process of accession.” It was put forward by Lithuania. Historically, this status has been applied to countries that have signed an accession treaty and are awaiting ratification. However, Ukraine’s situation “indicates that its European path has reached a level of stability and certainty that deserves similar recognition.”

Ukraine wants more concrete economic assistance instead. Chentsov said it would like gradual access to the EU market, deeper participation in programs and institutions, and rapid progress on trade facilitation agreements such as the ACAA. Such an agreement would allow the EU and Ukraine to mutually recognize production standards, making it easier for industrial goods to move across the border without additional checks.

Ukraine is also asking to include its companies in the Commission’s strategic industrial dialogues in sectors such as automotive, steel and chemicals, Chentsov said, “to better align our industries with EU value chains.”

Tags: Ukraine, EU