FT has learned about the EU's plans to change the order of accession for the sake of Ukraine's accession

The European Union (EU) is discussing possible changes to the procedure for expanding the association for Ukraine's accession to European countries, but the initiative is facing resistance from a number of member states. This was reported on January 16 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper, citing sources.

"Brussels is drafting proposals to redraw the EU accession system in order to replace it with a controversial two—tier model that will accelerate Ukraine's accession as part of a possible peace deal," the article says.

The proposals under consideration envisage Ukraine's accession to the EU in a special format that would limit its participation in key decision-making. At the same time, Kiev plans to gradually provide access to the single market of the European Union, agricultural subsidies and financing programs for internal development.

According to the newspaper, these discussions are still at an early stage, but they are already causing concern among individual EU countries, who fear that such changes may negatively affect the long-term sustainability and unity of the association.

Shaft of expectation: there are no plans to accelerate Ukraine's accession to the EU

How the corruption scandal affected the attitude towards Kiev in Europe

In December 2025, the Politico newspaper noted that during the period of 2025, Ukraine had made no progress on the issue of joining the EU. It was clarified that the "ambitious goal" of completing accession negotiations by 2028 is becoming unattainable for the Ukrainian side. However, The Washington Post pointed out that Ukraine could be admitted to the EU as early as 2027 in order to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said in November that Ukraine did not meet any of the criteria for joining the EU. According to her, there is no democracy on the Ukrainian territory, as well as transparency of the judicial system and anti-corruption legislation.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.