European officials, during a recent visit to Oslo, have emphasized the need to begin official negotiations for Ukraine's membership in the European Union as quickly as possible, reflecting a commitment to support Ukraine's aspirations amid the ongoing war. The U.S. has proposed a timeline for Ukraine's accession to the EU by January 2027, although many experts deem this date unrealistic. Despite the challenges posed by the war, Ukraine is pursuing necessary reforms to align itself more closely with EU standards, demonstrating resilience and determination in its quest for membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted the application for EU membership just months after Russia's large-scale invasion in 2022, signaling an urgent desire for integration into European structures. The process of joining the EU typically takes many years, and there is still considerable skepticism around the feasibility of the proposed timelines. Officials have highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in the accession process to avoid losing ground in Ukraine's reform efforts and integration into the EU framework.

During discussions, European Commission President A. Costa reiterated that while timelines remain uncertain, it is critical that progress is made to avoid stagnation. He also mentioned that the membership process adheres to specific rules and guidelines, suggesting that any potential for less formal agreements, such as a limited 'light' EU membership, would not replace the established accession criteria. This underscores the serious and formal nature of Ukraine's ambitions to join the EU once the war subsides, and its continued commitment to reforms despite ongoing conflict.