Ukraine may have to accept loss of territory to join EU - Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that Ukraine may have to accept the loss of some of its territories in a future agreement with russia, the aggressor nation, which would open the door to EU accession. Reuters reported this on Monday, April 27.

Merz noted that parts of Ukraine’s territory may remain outside Kyiv’s control in a future peace agreement with russia. According to him, such concessions will be linked to the country’s prospects for joining the European Union. 

"At some point, Ukraine will sign a ceasefire agreement; at some point, hopefully, a peace treaty with Russia. Then it may ​be that part of Ukraine's territory is no longer Ukrainian. If President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy wants to communicate this to his ​own population and gain a majority for it, and he needs to hold ​a referendum on it, then he must at the same time tell the people: 'I have opened the way to Europe for you,’" said the German Chancellor.

At the same time, Merz cautioned against hoping for Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU, since the country is at war and does not meet all the criteria, including the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on April 24, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered Ukraine the opportunity to participate in meetings of the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament without voting rights.