On May 7, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made an emphatic call for the European Union to accelerate Ukraine’s path toward membership, arguing that the move would not only reinforce Kyiv’s position against Moscow but also open the door for increased investment in Ukraine’s defense sector. Her remarks, delivered during a Europe Day event, signal a major push by Brussels to entrench Ukraine more firmly within the European political and economic sphere despite rising concerns both within the EU and from Russia.

Speaking before European officials, von der Leyen outlined three immediate priorities for the bloc: bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, completing Europe’s phase-out of Russian fossil fuels, and fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the EU. She emphasized that Brussels is already working “hard with Ukraine to open the first cluster of accession talks,” and aims to “open all clusters in 2025.” According to von der Leyen, these efforts are critical to ensuring that Ukraine can “stand strong” and “defy Putin’s intimidations.”

While von der Leyen’s call for speedier accession talks marks a bold stance, the reality within the EU is far more complicated. Several member states have consistently voiced reservations about Ukraine’s candidacy, arguing that Kyiv still falls short of the fundamental reforms needed to qualify for membership.

Hungary remains the most outspoken opponent. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has cited persistent corruption, the treatment of ethnic minorities,........

© Blitz