EU diplomats in Brussels are discussing a model for Ukraine's gradual integration, which would grant expanded access to the European Union's market and institutions without offering immediate membership.
Politico reports this development, citing four diplomats familiar with the ongoing talks, according to Rubryka.
This initiative comes after EU leaders rejected a European Commission proposal for so-called "fast-track enlargement." That earlier concept would have allowed Ukraine to join before completing key reforms. Instead, Brussels has shifted focus to a "fast-track gradual integration" model, designed to provide Ukraine with tangible benefits now, even as it continues to meet the conditions for full membership.
"Member states have made it clear that short-term membership is very hard to imagine," one diplomat said, adding, "But we need a positive proposal for how we can move forward together in the meantime."
According to Politico, Germany and France are playing a key role in shaping the new framework. Last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Ukraine's rapid membership is not possible at this time. However, he suggested Kyiv could participate in meetings of the European Council as an observer and take part in select formats of the European Parliament.
At the same time, Lithuania has proposed giving Ukraine an interim status as an "acceding country." Previously, this status was granted to countries that had already signed an accession treaty and were in the process of ratification. The draft states that Ukraine's example "demonstrates a level of sustainability and commitment on its European path that deserves similar recognition."
Ukraine, meanwhile, is highlighting the need for concrete economic measures from the EU. Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU Vsevolod Chentsov outlined Kyiv's key expectations:
Step-by-step access to the EU single market, linked to progress on reforms
Deeper involvement in EU programs and institutions
Quick adoption of the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA)
Signing the ACAA would allow Ukrainian industrial goods to cross into the EU without additional checks. Ukraine also wants its companies to contribute to shaping the European Commission's industrial policy, especially in the automotive, metallurgical, and chemical sectors.
EU officials stress that the new privileges package is not a substitute for full membership, nor does it replace the formal accession process. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said expectations for Ukraine's membership by 2027 remain "unrealistic."
