German Chancellor Merz Says Ukraine May Have To Give Up Territory To Advance EU Membership Bid

Last Updated:April 27, 2026, 18:04 IST

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Ukraine may need territorial concessions to secure EU path, warns EU entry is unrealistic before 2028, suggests interim observer roles.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday suggested that Ukraine may have to accept losing control over parts of its territory in a future peace agreement with Russia, tying such a decision to Kyiv’s prospects of joining the European Union.

Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz said a ceasefire and eventual peace deal could involve territorial compromises. “At some point… part of Ukraine’s territory is no longer Ukrainian," he said.

He added that any such move would require public backing in Ukraine, potentially through a referendum. “If President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to gain a majority for it… he must at the same time tell the people: ‘I have opened the way to Europe for you,’" Merz said.

Ukraine currently holds EU candidate status, but its accession process has faced hurdles, including opposition from Viktor Orban. Recent political changes in Hungary have raised hopes of progress, though divisions within the bloc remain.

Merz cautioned against expectations of rapid EU membership, saying Ukraine cannot join while at war and must first meet strict requirements on governance, rule of law, and anti-corruption.

“January 1, 2027 will not work… even 2028 is not realistic," he said, referring to earlier ambitions expressed by Kyiv.

Instead, he proposed interim measures such as granting Ukraine observer roles in EU institutions—an idea he said received support from European leaders at a recent summit in Cyprus.

The EU last week approved a €90 billion loan package to support Ukraine through 2027, but questions remain over how quickly accession talks can advance amid ongoing war and political differences within the bloc.

News world German Chancellor Merz Says Ukraine May Have To Give Up Territory To Advance EU Membership Bid

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