The EU is reportedly exploring a “reverse enlargement” model that would grant Ukraine partial membership as early as next year, phasing in full rights and obligations over time. The plan could extend to other candidate countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Critics argue it would formalize a three-tier European Union dominated by its six largest economies, advancing long-standing federalist ambitions. Resistance from Hungary and concerns in Poland over agricultural competition could complicate the proposal.
The EU may fast-track Ukraine into partial membership via “reverse enlargement,” phasing in rights later. Critics say it would cement a three-tier Europe led by major economies and push federalist reforms—while risking pushback from Hungary and Poland. #EU #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/ZcqL3fyPyw
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) February 22, 2026
- The EU is considering granting Ukraine partial EU membership by next year under a plan described as “reverse enlargement.”
- An unnamed EU official said the approach would allow countries to “join and then get phased in rights and obligations.”
- The plan could apply to other EU candidates in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
- Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may resist; the EU could seek support from President Donald J. Trump or consider suspending Hungary’s voting rights.
- Poland’s government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, may object if fast-tracking Ukraine forces it to open agricultural markets to Ukrainian imports.
- The proposal could formalize a multi-tier EU structure: the “E6” (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland), other full members, and new partial members.
- Critics argue this would advance federalist goals led by Germany and France, creating institutional pressure on Central European states that oppose deeper EU integration.
