{"id":39408,"title":"Charting Ukraine\u2019s EU Path: Engaging with Member States","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/de\/europe-in-the-world\/charting-ukraines-eu-path-engaging-with-member-states\/","date":"14. Januar 2026","date_unix":1768381095,"date_modified_unix":1768394843,"date_iso":"2026-01-14T08:58:15+00:00","content":"

A study on challenges and policy options regarding Ukraine\u2019s EU accession process<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kyiv\u2019s path to EU membership, a central strategic objective in defending Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty, is not only a question of reforms in Ukraine, but of political acceptance in the EU Member States.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s advancement in the lengthy accession process, but any other Member State could do the same in the future.<\/p>\n

This study examines where and why resistance to Ukraine\u2019s 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\u2019s EU path. It concludes with targeted policy recommendations.<\/p>\n

To deliver security and prosperity for Ukraine and the EU, political leadership and involved actors should be guided by three principles.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Achieve clarity on goals and costs:<\/strong> Address concerns and reservations with evidence to sustain long-term support, shifting public sentiment and rebuilding trust where needed.<\/li>\n
  2. Foster alliances:<\/strong> Identify cooperation that can leverage national strengths to advance the common European good, especially where national-level interests risk hindering Ukraine\u2019s accession.<\/li>\n
  3. Regain agency:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In this way, enlargement can strengthen Ukraine and the EU, deliver long-term benefits, substantiating the argument that Ukraine\u2019s membership is an investment in peace, security and prosperity.<\/p>\n

    The study was prepared in cooperation with the Center for Liberal Modernity.<\/p>\n

    About the author<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Miriam Kosmehl is Senior Expert on Eastern Europe and EU Neighbourhood at the Bertelsmann Stiftung.<\/p>\n

    Read more about Ukraine<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Eastern Recovery: Rebuilding the Future of Ukraine<\/a><\/p>\n

    Outlier or not? The Ukrainian Economy\u2019s Preparedness for EU Accession<\/a><\/p>\n

    Navigating Ukraine\u2019s EU Accession: Aligning Security and Integration Strategies<\/a><\/p>\n","excerpt":"

    A study on challenges and policy options regarding Ukraine\u2019s EU accession process Kyiv\u2019s path to EU membership, a central strategic […]<\/p>\n","thumbnail":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_1559539282_KONZERN_ST-EZ_KI-GENERIERT.jpeg","thumbnailsquare":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_1559539282_KONZERN_ST-EZ_KI-GENERIERT.jpeg","authors":[{"id":28565,"name":"Miriam Kosmehl","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/blogger\/miriam-kosmehl-ll-m\/"}],"categories":[{"id":597,"name":"Europe in the World","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/category\/europe-in-the-world\/"}],"tags":[{"id":202,"name":"eu","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/tag\/eu\/"},{"id":263,"name":"European Union","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/tag\/european-union\/"},{"id":151,"name":"Publications","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/tag\/publications\/"}]}