Ukraine may need to cede territory for EU membership: Merz

In a recent address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stirred considerable debate by suggesting that Ukraine may have to make territorial concessions to Russia as a prerequisite for joining the European Union. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz posited that Ukraine would eventually sign a ceasefire and peace agreement with Russia, which could involve parts of its territory no longer belonging to Ukraine.

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Ukraine will in the future sign a ceasefire agreement at some point, and then at some point, hopefully sign a peace agreement with Russia, after which it is possible that a part of Ukraine will no longer belong to Ukraine.

Merz emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would need to be transparent with his people about such a potential outcome, framing it as a necessary step to "open the door to Europe." While acknowledging Ukraine's official candidate status for EU membership, Merz was firm in stating that accession during wartime is impossible. Furthermore, he highlighted the stringent requirements Ukraine must meet, including adherence to the rule of law and robust anti-corruption measures, before it can be considered for membership.

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If Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to announce this to the Ukrainian people, gain a majority for it, and hold a referendum on it, then he must also tell the people: 'I have opened the door to Europe for you.'

From our perspective, Merz’s comments, while perhaps intended to inject realism into the discussion, risk undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ongoing struggle for territorial integrity. The timeline for EU accession, which Zelenskyy has aimed for by early 2027 or 2028, is deemed unrealistic by Merz, who suggests even 2028 is too ambitious. This pragmatic, albeit blunt, assessment from a key European leader underscores the complex and lengthy process of EU enlargement, especially in the context of an active conflict. It forces a difficult conversation about the potential trade-offs Ukraine might face on its path toward European integration.

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Ukraine cannot join the EU during the war, and it must first meet the conditions for accession, such as the rule of law and anti-corruption.