'It's impossible': Merz rules out Ukraine's EU membership by January 1, 2027

NW reported the information.

"Accession on January 1, 2027 is ruled out. It's impossible," Merz said following consultations between SPD and CDU/CSU leaders at the chancellery in Berlin.

According to him, every country wishing to join the EU must first fulfill the so-called Copenhagen criteria, which typically takes several years.

At the same time, Merz emphasized that it is important for Ukraine to have a perspective that paves the way for accession. However, this is a long-term process.

"We can gradually bring Ukraine closer to the European Union. That is always possible, but such a rapid accession is simply impossible," the German Chancellor concluded.

• Reuters agency previously reported that U.S. President Donald Trump's new peace plan regarding Ukraine includes a provision according to which Ukraine should become an EU member by January 1, 2027.
• The Financial Times also reported that the EU is discussing the possibility of introducing a new membership format for Ukraine that could accelerate its accession to the bloc within the framework of a potential peace agreement.
• Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that during an informal European Union summit, member state leaders were presented with a European Commission document regarding Ukraine, which allegedly envisions its EU accession by 2027, along with substantial financial support.