On October 24, 2026, the German Ambassador to Ukraine Boris Ruge commented on the prospects of Ukraine's accession to the European Union in an interview with the publication "European Pravda." The diplomat emphasized that Ukraine must focus on implementing institutional reforms necessary for EU membership.
Prospects for EU Accession
Ruge highlighted that the target for Ukraine's EU membership by 2030 is ambitious yet realistic. He noted that an important condition for this is not only the efforts from Ukraine but also the support from all 27 member states of the EU. According to him, the accession process is political, and each country has the right to veto decisions regarding new members.
Need for Reforms
The ambassador also stressed that Ukraine should avoid attempts to predict exact timelines for accession. He pointed out the importance of maintaining the reform course to avoid straying from the path of European integration. Ruge expressed satisfaction that Ukraine has stopped discussing the possibility of joining in 2027 or 2028, indicating a more realistic approach to the process.
Cooperation with the EU
In the ambassador's view, it is crucial for Ukraine to continue working on its reforms and strengthen cooperation with the European Union. He emphasized that only through joint efforts can success be achieved in this complex process. Ruge called for active collaboration with all partners to ensure progress towards European integration.