FT: EU capitals are concerned about the idea of "lite" EU accession for Ukraine with limits

Brussels is considering proposals for a radical overhaul of the EU accession system that could speed up Ukraine's entry but would give it far fewer decision-making powers, which prompted concern among some member states.

Financial Times reported that the plan under discussion would enable Ukraine to join the EU but with significantly reduced influence over decisions.

Ukraine would initially have no voting rights at leaders' summits or ministerial meetings, according to seven senior officials involved in the talks.

Under proposals still being developed, Kyiv would gain gradual access to parts of the EU single market, its agricultural subsidies and internal development funding after meeting certain post-accession milestones.

This would mark a major shift from the accession rules agreed upon in 1993, which require countries to adopt a large body of EU law across policy areas and join only after meeting all requirements.

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures . . . We're not undermining enlargement. We're enlarging the concept of enlargement," said one senior EU diplomat briefed on the concept.

"The rules were written more than 30 years ago. And they need to be more flexible. This is a once-in-a-generation moment and we have to meet it," the diplomat added.

However, diplomats from EU member states and other countries seeking to join the union who took part in informal talks with the European Commission said that the concept is causing deep concern. Some fear that it could harm the EU's long-term stability, dilute the meaning of membership and anger other candidate countries.

"It's a trap set by Putin and Trump and we are walking into it," said a second EU diplomat, referring to risks to EU unity.

Four EU diplomats said that a large group of current member states, while keen to support Ukraine, are firmly opposed to any measures that could create loopholes in the rules or establish a two-tier membership system.

"Try to force this down the throat of the member states and they will never accept it," said a senior EU official, warning it would create a damaging rift between Brussels and member states.

Other officials said that any move to adjust the enlargement process would also undermine the ambitions of other candidates and raise broader questions about how the EU engages with its close neighbours.

Montenegro and Albania are closest to membership in terms of progress through negotiating chapters and may feel they are being offered a less attractive reward.

It would also raise the question of whether the same "lite" enlargement option would be offered to other states that have made little or no progress towards membership in recent years.

Ukraine has said that it expects the European Union not to impose additional or excessive demands during talks on EU financial support and negotiations on potential membership.

Ukraine and the European Commission view EU accession as a security guarantee for Ukraine if fighting ends in the Russo-Ukrainian war.