FT: Ukraine Offered A "light Version" Of EU Accession

The European Commission is discussing the introduction of a two-stage model.

The European Commission is discussing the introduction of a two-stage EU accession model that could allow Ukraine to join the bloc much faster, but with limited powers in the first stage.

The Financial Times reports this.

Sources tell the newspaper that the European Commission is preparing preliminary proposals that envision a departure from the current EU accession procedure, which has been in place since the early 1990s.

The new model could give Ukraine formal membership without full voting rights in leaders' summits and ministerial meetings.

At the same time, Kiev would get gradual access to the EU's single market, agricultural subsidies and development funds after meeting certain milestones already after accession.

Financial Times notes that the discussion comes amid possible peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Drafts of a 20-point peace plan being prepared with U.S. participation mention Ukraine's potential EU membership in 2027, although the European Commission itself estimates that full compliance with membership criteria could require up to a decade of reforms.

Brussels recognizes that for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, the prospect of EU membership is a key argument for accepting difficult compromises as part of a possible peace deal.

At the same time, the idea of "facilitated" accession is causing serious concern among member states and candidate countries.

Diplomats fear that a two-stage model could undermine the principle of meritocratic enlargement, create membership of different categories and cause tension with candidates such as Montenegro and Albania, which have moved further ahead in negotiations.

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