Politis

“Pandora’s Box”: EU Alarmed by Scenario of Ukraine Becoming a “Light Member”

Published January 16, 2026, 12:23
“Pandora’s Box”: EU Alarmed by Scenario of Ukraine Becoming a “Light Member”

The European Union is considering a radical change to its membership system, aiming to accelerate the process for Ukraine given the ongoing peace talks. The plan, under discussion at the European Commission, proposes a two-tiered model where Ukraine could join the EU with limited decision-making powers, gradually gaining access to the single market and other forms of funding. This new framework would represent a significant departure from the established accession criteria that have been in place since 1993, which require full compliance with European regulations. The idea partly stemmed from the need to offer a strong incentive for Ukraine to accept a potential peace agreement that could include territorial concessions to Russia. However, the plan has raised concerns among several EU member states, who fear it could undermine the Union’s stability and diminish the value of membership. Some characterize the proposal as a “trap” that could serve the interests of Russia and the United States. Senior EU diplomats argue that the need for flexibility is imperative in these extraordinary circumstances, emphasizing that the rules that applied 30 years ago must be adapted to new geopolitical challenges. Nevertheless, the debate remains intense and the future of EU enlargement remains uncertain.