Friedrich Merz deemed Ukraine's accession to the European Union by January 1, 2027, impossible. According to the German chancellor, Kyiv must first meet the Copenhagen criteria, and this process typically takes several years.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not see any chances for Ukraine's quick accession to the European Union. "Accession by January 1, 2027, is excluded. It is impossible," the head of the German government stated on Wednesday, January 28, after a coalition committee meeting in Berlin, attended by leaders of the ruling conservative bloc CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).
Every country wishing to become a member of the EU must first meet the so-called Copenhagen criteria, and this process typically takes several years, Merz emphasized. At the same time, the chancellor pointed out that it is important to give Ukraine a perspective that will open the path for the country to join the EU.
The Copenhagen criteria are key requirements for candidate countries to join the European Union, adopted in 1993. They include the mandatory presence of stable state institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of minorities, a functioning market economy, and the readiness to adopt EU legislation obligations.
Peace Negotiations in Ukraine - Absolute Priority
Speaking about negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine, Friedrich Merz noted that Germany is in close contact with American and Ukrainian delegations. "We have also jointly prepared documents, and it is good that direct negotiations are currently taking place primarily between Ukraine and the Russian side. We hope that they will lead to results as soon as possible," the chancellor emphasized. He added that in the context of the negotiations, Germany does not act as a mediator but is an ally of Ukraine in its efforts to end this war.
Klingbeil: Direct Negotiations Between Europe and Russia Are Currently Inappropriate
Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister of Germany Lars Klingbeil noted Merz's efforts during the peace negotiations in Ukraine. "Europe has been out of the negotiation process for a while, and it is thanks to the federal chancellor that a close connection has been restored - both between Ukraine and Europeans and between Americans and Europeans," said the co-chair of the SPD.
However, direct negotiations between Germany, Europe, and Russia, in Klingbeil's opinion, would currently be inappropriate: "Whether the moment will come when European heads of state and government will talk directly with Putin again remains to be seen later. But now is not the time.
