German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU in 2027 is not feasible, emphasizing that the accession process is long-term.

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stated that Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2027 is unrealistic, emphasizing that this process requires the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria, which are complex and take years.

His comments come in the wake of statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who highlighted the importance of Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU for Europe's security. Ukraine obtained candidate country status in 2022, but the accession process is blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, despite the progress of reforms in Kyiv. Merz mentioned that, although rapid accession is not possible, Ukraine can gradually come closer to the EU.