FT: EU Discusses 'non-standard' Scenarios For Ukraine's Membership

The idea of so-called "reverse enlargement" has emerged in the European Union.

The European Union has not yet developed a unified approach to Ukraine's accession, despite recognizing the strategic importance of its integration. Although Kiev was granted candidate status as early as 2022, the timing and mechanisms of accession remain a matter of debate, the Financial Times writes.

France and Germany have proposed an alternative option - the "associate membership" format. In this case, Ukraine could participate in the work of European institutions without voting rights and gradually integrate into EU policies and the single market, but without access to key financial programs at an early stage.

At the background of discussions on peace initiatives, the idea of so-called "reverse enlargement" emerged. It suggests that a candidate country could gain formal membership earlier, but with limited rights that would be gradually expanded as requirements are met. Supporters believe that this would allow for greater control over reforms, but critics point to the risk of undermining the principle of accession "on merit" and the need for ratification by all EU countries.

Supporters of this approach believe that it would give Ukraine a realistic prospect of accession and allow it to prepare public opinion in EU countries. At the same time, there is a risk that this format will be perceived as a protracted transitional status.

The European Commission estimates that it may take 10 to 15 years to fulfill all the requirements for full membership. At the same time, there is no agreed decision in the EU on how to speed up this process.

An additional factor remains the position of Hungary. It was expected that the change of power in Budapest could pave the way for the start of negotiations already in the summer, but the new Prime Minister Peter Magyar is noted to insist on expanding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.

Separate attention is paid to security issues. Options for closer defense cooperation are being considered, including Ukraine's participation in the EU's mutual defense mechanisms and increased support for its armed forces.

The EU expects that accession talks could be launched as early as this summer and that financial support could stabilize the situation, but there is no final decision on Ukraine's integration model yet.

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