A study on challenges and policy options regarding Ukraine’s EU accession process

Kyiv’s path to EU membership, a central strategic objective in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, is not only a question of reforms in Ukraine, but of political acceptance in the EU Member States.

As Ukraine presses for greater clarity on its accession timeline, the decisive obstacles increasingly lie within the EU itself. Enlargement decisions remain subject to unanimity, giving each Member State effective veto power over progress. At present, Hungary is blocking Ukraine’s advancement in the lengthy accession process, but any other Member State could do the same in the future.

This study examines where and why resistance to Ukraine’s accession persists among Member States, how these obstacles are currently addressed, and which policy options could help build the political will necessary to advance Ukraine’s EU path. It concludes with targeted policy recommendations.

To deliver security and prosperity for Ukraine and the EU, political leadership and involved actors should be guided by three principles.

  1. Achieve clarity on goals and costs: Address concerns and reservations with evidence to sustain long-term support, shifting public sentiment and rebuilding trust where needed.
  2. Foster alliances: Identify cooperation that can leverage national strengths to advance the common European good, especially where national-level interests risk hindering Ukraine’s accession.
  3. Regain agency: Contribute to an environment in which Member States and Ukraine find common ground, but do not shy away from addressing a lack of solidarity or abuse of veto power.

In this way, enlargement can strengthen Ukraine and the EU, deliver long-term benefits, substantiating the argument that Ukraine’s membership is an investment in peace, security and prosperity.

The study was prepared in cooperation with the Center for Liberal Modernity.

About the author

Miriam Kosmehl is Senior Expert on Eastern Europe and EU Neighbourhood at the Bertelsmann Stiftung.

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