According to information that has emerged in Brussels, the European Commission is considering admitting Ukraine as early as 2027 under a simplified procedure. This approach would break with the decades-long, merit-based enlargement policy and allow Ukraine to become a member with limited decision-making rights before meeting the full accession requirements, potentially ahead of countries that have been waiting longer in the enlargement process.
Support for this fast-tracked accession is low across the EU. Only 18 percent of Europeans would accept Ukraine’s immediate entry. By contrast, 43 percent believe the Union should adhere to the traditional, performance-based procedure, while 32 percent reject Ukraine’s accession altogether. In every member state surveyed, the majority opposes the Brussels initiative.
Even in countries considered among the most supportive of Ukraine, unconditional backing remains a minority position. In Sweden, 35 percent support Ukraine’s admission without conditions, while in Finland the figure is 32 percent. At the opposite end of the scale, opposition is strongest in Hungary and Austria, where 93 and 83 percent of citizens, respectively, reject immediate accession.
The survey also examined the reasons behind these concerns. One key issue is the potential impact on EU agriculture and food safety. In Ukraine, food production is concentrated in the hands of multinational companies operating under lower quality standards. The removal of EU market protection mechanisms could weaken food safety and place EU farmers at a disadvantage. According to the research, 59 percent of respondents are concerned about the impact on farmers, while 53 percent fear risks to food safety.
Security considerations also weigh heavily on public opinion. Based on historical experience, wars and their immediate aftermath often led to population movements that increase security risks in neighboring countries. This is seen as a concern by 55 percent of respondents. In addition, 52 percent worry that Ukraine’s accession would reduce the development funds available to existing member states.
The Századvég Foundation concludes that Ukraine’s accession would require not only the fulfillment of formal membership conditions, but also credible responses to the concerns expressed by European citizens. The survey results indicate that fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU membership, without addressing these issues, lacks public support across the continent.