Amid talks to end the war: Ukraine's European dream recedes
A Reuters investigation reveals growing doubts among European Union diplomats about the possibility of Ukraine joining as a full member in the coming years, against the backdrop of peace talks in Abu Dhabi. A survey shows public support has dropped to 47%.
Amid peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, under American pressure, it is becoming clear that Ukraine's European dream is receding. A Reuters investigation, published today (Wednesday), reveals that more than a dozen diplomats and senior officials in EU countries express doubts about the possibility of Ukraine being accepted as a full member in the coming years. The talks in Abu Dhabi, led by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focus on ending the fighting and security guarantees. According to the investigation, a senior European diplomat said that Ukraine's accession in the coming years is not a realistic possibility, and another explained that the upcoming elections in Europe will make it difficult to advance enlargement. A survey by the German Bertelsmann Foundation shows that only 47% of EU residents support Ukraine's accession, compared to 69% in March 2022. In France, Poland, and Germany, there is significant opposition. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen warned against unfair competition and harm to subsidies for farmers. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said that Ukraine's accession benefits the EU, citing its experienced military. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed a 'partner member' status without voting rights, but Kyiv opposes.