Kyiv. Ukraine is seeking to use the politically sensitive period between the Hungarian parliamentary elections and the French presidential election in 2027 to advance its bid for European Union membership as far as possible, Politico reports.
Kyiv hopes that reference to EU accession in 2027 could be included in a prospective peace agreement currently under discussion by US President Donald Trump. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken openly of a ‘fast track’, arguing that such a move would prevent Russia or Vladimir Putin from obstructing the country’s integration for decades.
The European Union is examining options for a form of phased integration that would grant Ukraine observer status at European Council summits and in European Parliament committees until the required reforms have been completed.
The process is further complicated by Hungary’s stance. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long opposed swift enlargement, and the outcome of the French presidential election remains uncertain. Marine Le Pen could seek to block Kyiv’s accession.
The European Commission has stressed that without fulfilment of the necessary criteria, no fixed date for membership can be set.
(pir)