German Chancellor Merz opposes fast-track EU membership for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that he does not support the immediate admission of Ukraine into the European Union.

According to the Phoenix TV channel, citing a statement by the German head of government, he stressed the need for a gradual strategy for bringing Kyiv closer to the bloc.

“Accession cannot happen overnight. A well-considered, step-by-step process is needed to allow Ukraine to gradually adapt to the EU’s standards and requirements,” Merz noted.

At the same time, a joint statement by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for the immediate launch of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership.