Ruge: Glad Kyiv Dropped Talk of Joining EU in 2027–2028

German Ambassador Boris Ruge said he is glad that Kyiv has changed its rhetoric about joining the EU in 2027–2028, and stressed that the legislative and institutional reforms required for membership take time. European Pravda reported his words from an interview.

Ruge said Germany advances a very progressive vision and wants Ukraine to move quickly toward the EU. "But how long it will take – there is no answer to that. However, I am glad to see that Kyiv has stopped saying it could happen in 2027 or 2028," the ambassador said.

Is 2030 realistic?

Asked whether Ukraine could join the EU by 2030, he answered that this is "really ambitious". "But, first, much depends on Ukraine's actions. And second, we must not forget that this is a very political process, all 27 member states must approve this decision. So it is hard to predict," Ruge said.

He is convinced that the geopolitical arguments for Ukraine's accession are "very, very strong". "That is why it is now important to work together so that Ukraine does not leave its course and gains full EU membership as soon as possible," the German diplomat emphasized.

Where the talks stand

On Tuesday, October 13, the EU opened clusters 2 and 3 in Ukraine's accession negotiations. In total, Ukraine has now opened four of the six clusters. Deputy Prime Minister Vsevolod Chentsov said earlier that opening two more clusters would require concessions.