A new two-tier EU system is currently being developed in Brussels, which is intended to accelerate Ukraine's integration into the bloc. However, this potential accession raises concerns among several European capitals.
The proposed scheme implies that Ukraine will be able to join the EU with limited powers, meaning no voting rights at summits and ministerial meetings initially. Access to certain sectors of the single market, as well as subsidies and funding, will be granted gradually as Ukraine meets established criteria.
The European Commission believes that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky will be able to agree to some conditions of a peace agreement, including possible territorial concessions, only if he can demonstrate positive results related to EU membership.
At present, the draft peace agreement suggests that Ukraine could become part of the EU by January 1, 2027.
