EP chief urges immediate steps in Ukraine’s EU membership talks

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has called for faster progress in Ukraine’s European Union accession process, urging the bloc to match Kyiv’s reform efforts with concrete steps toward membership.

According to her post on the social media platform X, cited by Caliber.Az, Metsola made the remarks while speaking at the GLOBSEC security conference in Prague on May 22.

This is Europe's high stakes moment.

To take responsibility for security.

To reinforce partnerships.

To move faster on the Single Market.

To trade with the world while delivering for people.

To strengthen democracies.

We have what it takes.@GLOBSEC https://t.co/vEpJikfByo

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) May 21, 2026

She noted that despite the ongoing war, Ukraine is carrying out “an impressive volume of legislative and technical work,” emphasising that such progress would normally take many years. Metsola said the European Union is obliged to respond to these efforts with tangible action.

Highlighting the need for forward movement, she called for the immediate opening of the first negotiation clusters in Ukraine’s accession talks. Metsola stressed that while EU enlargement must remain a “merit-based” process, it should not be used as a justification for indefinite delays.

She also warned against promoting alternative or partial integration models in place of full membership. According to Metsola, such frameworks should not replace a clear political decision regarding Ukraine’s future within the European Union.

Her remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the EU over the pace and conditions of enlargement, as Ukraine continues to pursue membership while implementing reforms under wartime conditions.

By Tamilla Hasanova