As European diplomacy intensifies regarding relations with the US, enlargement, and Ukraine, the EU is said to be formulating a unique plan for Ukraine's partial integration into the bloc as early as next year. This initiative, suggested by ten diplomats cited by Politico, aims to bolster Ukraine's standing within Europe while distancing it from Moscow, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion four years ago. With Kyiv pushing for EU membership by 2027 in order to be included in a peace deal with the Kremlin, this idea, still in its infancy, represents a significant shift in how the bloc incorporates new states.

Under this proposed plan, Ukraine would secure a place at the EU decision-making table before implementing all necessary reforms for full membership rights. Both European officials and the Ukrainian government express support for this approach, which aims to provide a framework for Ukraine's involvement in the EU while allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made. The implications of this 'reverse enlargement' could transform the relationship between the EU and Ukraine, providing a new model for integrating countries under similar circumstances in the future.

This development comes at a critical juncture as Ukraine continues to seek closer ties with Western nations amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Ensuring that Ukraine feels supported and integrated within the EU could enhance stability in the region and present a united front against aggression from Moscow. The success of this plan may set a precedent for how the EU approaches future enlargement and the inclusion of countries facing similar geopolitical challenges.