Ukraine is making significant strides towards European Union membership, with ongoing preparations and negotiations on various fronts. Despite opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has positioned his opposition to Ukraine as a political strategy, Kyiv is closer to potential accession than before. The shift in dynamics is not necessarily due to Ukraine's compliance with EU membership standards but is heavily influenced by evolving political circumstances within Europe.

In December 2025, Ukraine and the EU commenced substantial accession negotiations, circumventing Orbán's influence. These negotiations are currently focused on three of the six designated clusters: Fundamentals, Internal Market, and External Relations. The technical work within these clusters is already in progress, which indicates a serious commitment from both parties to advance the discussions.

The prevailing sentiment across Europe is that Ukraine's eventual accession to the EU is not only needed but should occur more swiftly than traditional processes allow. This growing recognition could lead to enhanced support for Ukraine's endeavor, reflecting a consensus on the importance of integrating Ukraine into European structures, especially in light of its current geopolitical challenges. The outcomes of these negotiations could significantly reshape Ukraine's position in Europe and reinforce the EU's strategic response to regional stability and security issues.