Marta Kos: War-torn Ukraine to gain nothing from special EU status

A special status for Ukraine in the EU accession process, given its challenging situation due to the ongoing war, would benefit neither Ukraine nor the European Union, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said in an interview during a national telethon.

Kos was asked why the EU cannot make an exception for Ukraine, which is currently fighting a war and has unique experience that could be valuable for Europe, according to Ukrainian media.

She said that such exceptions would neither help nor strengthen the country, as they would undermine trust in the entire EU accession process and its future membership.

“It is about ensuring your readiness—real readiness—for coexistence and joint life in the European Union. Ukraine, by joining the EU, must strengthen us, not weaken us. When we work with a candidate country, we prepare you through the transformation process. Everything must be done properly—the transformation of your economy, your society,” Kos explained.

The commissioner emphasised that the European Commission is already working to accelerate and optimize procedures for Ukraine. 

She added that each reform brings Ukraine closer to EU membership, noting that accelerated reforms shorten the path to accession, while slower reforms correspondingly delay the membership date.

By Jeyhun Aghazada