Ukraine is not considering alternatives to full EU membership – Kachka

Ukraine is not considering any "lightweight" or alternative integration models as a substitute for full membership in the European Union. This was stated by Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, in an interview with Euronews, reports UNN.

Kachka commented on the idea of Ukraine's "associated membership" in the EU, which was previously voiced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Kyiv considers any options that could serve as an alternative to full accession unacceptable.

For Ukraine, any alternatives to full membership in the EU are unacceptable. We advocate for a rapid, merit-based, full accession to the European Union in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on EU 

At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine's gradual integration into the EU internal market is important for Ukrainian business; however, intermediate formats should not distract from the main goal.

Ukrainian business seeks to operate under the same conditions as businesses in member states. But no intermediate formats should divert attention or resources from the main goal – Ukraine's full membership in the EU 

Kachka also stated that Ukraine insists on opening all six negotiation clusters regarding EU accession as early as June, rather than in July, as previously suggested by the European Commission.

We believe that all six clusters can be opened as early as June. Our schedule shows that we are already falling behind deadlines 

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Ukraine has effectively been fulfilling part of the EU requirements since the negotiations on the Association Agreement.

For Ukraine, this process began 15 years ago, or perhaps even earlier, when we were negotiating the Association Agreement 

Separately, he commented on the issue of relations with Hungary, which had previously blocked Ukraine's European integration steps due to disputes over the rights of the Hungarian minority.

Kachka assured that Ukraine treats the Hungarian community with respect and ensures the possibility of education in the Hungarian language.

We have nearly 100 schools for Hungarians that meet all requirements. Every child in Ukraine who wants to study in the Hungarian language or learn it has that opportunity 

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that certain EU countries, particularly Poland, may have concerns regarding competition from the Ukrainian agricultural sector; however, Kyiv is already conducting relevant consultations with partners.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine's presence in the EU must be full-fledged23.05.26, 17:47 • 4040 views