Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that Ukraine's hope for EU membership by 2027 is unrealistic, citing technical and procedural challenges in the accession process.
In an interview with 'Kyiv Post' commemorating the fourth anniversary of the war, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Ukraine's goal to become a full European Union member by 2027. He emphasized that while this date was mentioned in the context of a proposed peace plan from the United States, it is not a realistic prospect for Ukraine's membership, especially as the country continues to face significant challenges amidst ongoing conflict. Instead, Nausėda suggested that during this time, Ukraine could participate in certain EU processes related to security and defense, which could strengthen its ties with the bloc.
Nausėda elaborated on the technical difficulties involved in EU accession, noting that completing negotiations within such a short timeframe is implausible. He reaffirmed Lithuania's strong support for Ukraine's eventual EU membership, advocating for a more achievable target date of 2030. This sentiment aligns with broader discussions among EU leaders regarding the membership prospects of Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, and Albania, reflecting an ongoing interest in integrating these nations more closely into European structures.
