Ukraine's Head of Mission to the European Union Vsevolod Chentsov, who said his country expects "early, tangible steps that bring integration into effect now," at a Brussels press conference in October 2022.Stephanie Lecocq/EPA

EU plans ‘pre-entry’ perks for Ukraine as fast-track membership hopes dim – POLITICO

30 Apr 2026, 02:00 · POLITICO

BRUSSELS — EU countries are preparing a package of short-term benefits for Ukraine to bring it closer to the bloc after capitals rejected plans to fast-track full membership.

The emerging offer would include greater market access and deeper participation in EU programs and institutions, four diplomats familiar with the discussions, granted anonymity to discuss the confidential negotiations, told POLITICO.

“Ukraine’s priority remains full EU membership,” Ukraine’s ambassador to the bloc, Vsevolod Chentsov, told POLITICO. “But we also expect early, tangible steps that bring integration into effect now.”