EU Commissioner details current discussions on Ukraine's EU accession paths

What happened

European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told a discussion at the URC-2026 conference in Gdańsk, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent, that discussions within the EU on Ukraine’s accession paths have recently intensified. Kos said the debate among EU leaders about the timing and form of Ukraine's accession has been lively but there is no clear decision yet.

Kos outlined two positions gaining common ground among member states. First, the accession must follow a merit-based principle where Ukraine's progress depends on demonstrated reform achievements. She emphasized that the EU cannot accept a member state that is not ready. Second, the member states are open to exploring gradual accession paths, allowing Ukraine partial integration with the EU before full membership.

The gradual accession model described by Kos might allow Ukraine to fulfil some EU requirements early or participate in specific EU policies, drawing parallels to Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland's relationship with the EU. These countries, while not full members, are in the Schengen area and partake in relevant EU Council meetings without voting rights.

Known from the source

• Marta Kos is the European Enlargement Commissioner.
• Kos spoke at the URC-2026 conference in Gdańsk.
• Discussions on Ukraine’s EU accession paths within the EU have intensified recently.
• No final decision on Ukraine’s accession process has been made.
• Member states appear to agree on preserving a merit-based principle for accession progress.

What remains unclear

Another factor prompting this approach is the experience of Western Balkan candidates whose accession has stalled due to neighbour vetoes. Kos noted the EU 'cannot wait that long with Ukraine.' She said that decisions on the enlargement methodology are for EU leaders, who are expected to deliberate on potentially expanding or accelerating the accession process at upcoming summits. The latest EU summit deferred decisions on Ukraine’s accession until autumn.

What remains unclear: Whether the EU summit scheduled between now and autumn will provide a clearer decision on Ukraine’s accession paths. Any new official EU documentation or statements elaborating on or confirming the gradual accession approach. Verification of the cited Polish public opinion data and its current relevance. Ensuring accurate attribution for all claims about member states' positions and public opinion.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.