Ukraine is currently engaged in multi-track preparations for its potential membership in the European Union, with the negotiations intensifying particularly over the last six months. Despite opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has leveraged anti-Ukraine sentiment in his political campaigns, there is a growing consensus within Europe that Ukraine's accession process should be expedited. The notion of Ukraine's eventual EU membership has become increasingly accepted, pushing for a faster integration process to meet the benchmarks set by the EU.

In December 2025, Ukraine and the European Union commenced substantial accession negotiations, effectively moving forward despite Orbán's political maneuvers to stall progress. These negotiations have already started to cover three of the six critical clusters necessary for membership: Fundamentals, Internal Market, and External Relations. Technical work related to these clusters is ongoing, indicating a commitment from both sides to facilitate Ukraine's journey toward EU integration.

The EU has provided Ukraine with essential documents outlining the comprehensive benchmarks that need to be fulfilled. This assistance not only clarifies the necessary steps for Ukraine's membership but also emphasizes the EU's willingness to support Ukraine in overcoming the myriad challenges it faces. While the political dynamics may present obstacles, the overarching trend suggests an increasing alignment and cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, which could lead to significant developments in the near future.