The U.S. peace plan for resolving the war envisions Ukraine joining the European Union already by January 1, 2027. Financial Times writes about this, citing sources and noting that the corresponding point is included in the latest draft proposal currently being discussed by American and Ukrainian officials with the support of Brussels.
According to Financial Times sources, such a compressed timeline for Ukraine’s EU accession essentially overturns the established EU approach to enlargement and forces Brussels to reconsider the entire procedure for admitting new members. The publication’s interlocutors remind that the existing system provides for a phased access for candidates to voting rights, financial funds, and other benefits.
Officials who support Ukraine’s EU membership note that including this point in the peace agreement would make Ukraine’s accession a fait accompli. In that case, in their opinion, Brussels would not be able to block the process without risking the breakdown of the peace arrangements.
FT also notes that U.S. support for Ukraine’s EU accession may indicate Donald Trump’s willingness to influence Hungary’s position and secure the lifting of the veto by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.