May 18,2026.

Published by IP Quarterly / DGAP in May 2026, this article by Stefan Meister examines the differences in perception between Ukraine and the European Union regarding the accession process. For Kyiv, European integration is about security guarantees and a way to cut ties with Russia’s sphere of influence once and for all. For Brussels, accession remains a process based on the implementation of institutional reforms and compliance with European criteria.

“The Future Shape of Europe” is a series of articles, run in cooperation with the DGAP’s Europe Center, to inspire and inform the debate about EU enlargement and structural changes to the EU’s inner workings.

This article highlights the risk of growing misunderstandings between the two sides. Ukraine’s ambition to join the EU quickly contrasts with the EU’s emphasis on long-term reforms, institutional capacity and the rule of law. In this context, the idea of associate membership status appears to be an intermediate step that could enhance Ukraine’s integration while preserving the concept of a merit-based integration process.

Overall, this article reflects on current debates regarding the future of EU enlargement and the challenge of finding a balance between geopolitical priorities and institutional requirements. The main challenge is to determine how to establish a realistic path to membership that meets Ukraine’s strategic expectations while preserving the legitimacy of the EU’s enlargement process.

You can find the article “Ukraine’s EU Accession: The Risks of Misunderstanding” by Stefan Meister here.