Ukraine May Need to Cede Territory for EU Membership, German Chancellor Suggests

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that Ukraine may need to make territorial concessions to Russia to pave the way for EU membership. Speaking to students, Merz indicated that President Zelensky would need to convince his population of such concessions, possibly through a referendum, while emphasizing that EU membership offers a path to Europe. Merz also cautioned against rapid EU accession, stating that reforms in rule of law and anti-corruption are necessary, and that even 2028 may be an optimistic timeline.

English Transcript:

German chancellor Frederich MZ suggested that Ukraine may have territory to Russia the way for EU membership. Speaking students at a high school in the western German of Marsburg, merch said Ukraident Vladimir Zelenski would have to hold the people and concession matters. Russia Ukraine string back. Hopefully, there will be a peace treaty with Russia someday. Then part of Ukraine's territory may no longer be Ukrainian. If he wants to convey this to his own population and get a majority for it, and he has to hold a referendum on it, then he must simultaneously tell the population, "But I have opened the way to Europe for you Hungary minorbanis landsl raised hopes for the country to the next steps of its membership bidz warned

against raising hopes for quick access into the block stressing that Ukraine's immigration is contingent upon peace and reforms to the rule of law and fighting corruption. The German leader also added that Zelenski's proposed membership day of the 1 of January next year is not realistic and as far as to say that even the 1 of January 2028 may still not be enough time for the needed reforms. Keurrently holds the status of official EU candidate country which has been held since June 2022.

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