Bucharest: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz once again dashed Ukraine’s hopes for a swift accession to the European Union, stressing that the process could take years. Speaking during his meeting with Romanian President Nicu?or Dan, Merz said: “Our top priority now is to do everything we can to end the war,” noting that talks on Ukraine’s reconstruction will follow thereafter.
According to Qatar News Agency, Merz emphasized that this process could ultimately lead to Ukraine joining the EU, but stressed that “this will take several years.” He added, “As long as Ukraine is under attack and at war, its accession to the European Union will, of course, be almost impossible,” underlining that the current goal is to bring Ukraine as close as possible to the EU and integrate it into the European community.
Ukraine has been a candidate for EU membership since 2022 and is seeking to join the bloc swiftly, especially in light of the strong Western support it receives in its war against Russia.