Ukraine can't join EU on Jan 1, 2027 - Merz

MOSCOW. Jan 29 (Interfax) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees no chance for fast-track membership in the European Union for Ukraine, Ukrainian media reported, citing NW.

"Accession on January 1, 2027 is out of the question. It's impossible," Merz said after consultations between the leaders of the SPD and the CDU/CSU in Berlin.

Any country seeking to join the EU needs to meet the Copenhagen criteria, a process that usually takes several years, he said.

Although this process is lengthy, it is important for Ukraine to have a perspective that will pave the way for EU membership, he said.

"We can gradually bring Ukraine closer to the EU. That is always possible, but such rapid accession simply makes no sense," Merz said.