The European Union is reportedly working on a plan to grant Ukraine partial membership by next year, according to discussions among ten officials and diplomats. This initiative comes four years after the full-scale Russian invasion, with Ukraine advocating for EU membership by 2027 as part of a peace agreement with the Kremlin. The plan, still in its initial stages, would mark a significant shift in how the EU integrates new member states, allowing Ukraine to participate in EU affairs prior to meeting all the reforms necessary for full membership.

European officials and the Ukrainian government express urgency regarding Kyiv's EU candidacy, emphasizing the need for swift action to solidify Ukraine's position within Europe. This comes amid rising tensions with Russia, which is anticipated to attempt to obstruct Ukraine's European integration efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced concerns about potential Russian interference in Ukraine's path towards EU integration, highlighting the geopolitical stakes involved in the process.

The implications of this plan extend beyond just economic and political benefits for Ukraine; it represents a broader strategic effort by the EU to reshape its neighborhood policy in light of ongoing conflicts. By facilitating Ukraine's earlier involvement in EU mechanisms, the EU aims to enhance stability in the region while signaling to other countries the importance of democratic governance and alignment with European values. This initiative will likely stir discussions within the EU regarding enlargement and the pace at which new members can be integrated into the bloc.