Lead

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has said that Ukraine will not be able to join the European Union by early 2027, a goal repeatedly voiced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, Plenkovic said he had already told Zelensky during a recent visit to Kyiv that completing the accession process by January 1, 2027, is unrealistic based on Croatia's own experience. His remarks were reported by TASS, Russia's state news agency.

Coverage Comparison

The story has been covered by TASS in two separate articles. The first, dated June 5, focuses on Plenkovic's statement and includes his explanation that Ukraine's future must be tied to Europe, especially since NATO's doors remain closed. The second article, from May 28, highlights similar skepticism from European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who told the Financial Times that Ukraine will not join the EU in 2027. Both reports emphasize the difficulty of the accession timeline but do not provide comment from Ukrainian officials or other EU member states.

Key Claims

  • Plenkovic's assessment: According to TASS, Plenkovic stated that Ukraine's EU accession by 2027 is unfeasible, based on Croatia's experience. He also noted that over the past four months, there has been a stalemate in the peace process, with the US preoccupied elsewhere, and said "we need to wait."
  • Kos's position: As reported by TASS citing the Financial Times, Kos described the 2027 timeline as impossible and noted that EU accession talks often last over ten years. She also mentioned that the European Commission initially suggested launching accession talks in 2024, but those plans were affected by Hungary's stance.
  • Zelensky's goal: Both articles note that Zelensky has repeatedly said Kyiv should be technically ready to join the EU by 2027.

Perspectives

Croatian Government

Plenkovic's position reflects a pragmatic view based on the lengthy and complex process Croatia underwent during its own EU accession. He emphasized that Ukraine needs assistance on its path to Europe but that a 2027 timeline is not realistic.

European Commission

Marta Kos's comments align with the Commission's cautious approach, recognizing the extensive reforms required for EU membership. She also pointed to the slowdown in negotiations and the difficulty of setting fixed deadlines.

Ukrainian Leadership

While not directly quoted in these reports, Zelensky has consistently pushed for accelerated integration, arguing that Ukraine's progress and commitment warrant faster action, despite the challenges.

Context

Both reports come from TASS, a Russian state news agency. While the outlet provides coverage of European officials' statements, it is important to consider that its reporting may reflect Russian governmental perspectives. The statements by Plenkovic and Kos are presented as direct quotes, but without additional sources, their full context is not available. The articles do not include reactions from Ukrainian authorities or other EU members, so the full spectrum of opinions remains incomplete.

Additionally, Plenkovic's reference to a stalemate in peace efforts and the US being preoccupied may reflect broader geopolitical considerations. The EU accession process is indeed lengthy, but some member states have expressed support for accelerating Ukraine's path, though practical hurdles remain.

Conclusion

The skepticism expressed by Croatian and EU officials highlights the significant challenges Ukraine faces in meeting its ambitious EU accession timeline. While the goal of 2027 has been championed by Zelensky, the realities of the accession process—along with geopolitical factors—suggest that a faster track is unlikely. The reports underscore the need for patience and continued reforms, as echoed by Plenkovic and Kos.