The European Union could soon begin defining a clearer path for Ukraine to join the bloc, after the Netherlands signalled it will open talks with partners on a possible accession timeline.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the coming months could provide Kyiv with crucial clarity about its future in Europe. His remarks came during a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the war with Russia continues to reshape the continent’s political landscape.

Dutch Government Backs Ukraine’s European Future

Jetten said the Netherlands remains firmly committed to Ukraine eventually joining the European project.

“The Netherlands realises absolutely clearly that Ukraine’s future is in Europe,” he said. “Ukraine must become an EU member as a result of this process.”

The Dutch government plans to begin consultations with EU partners to outline what a realistic accession timeline might look like.

Reforms Continue Despite War

The Dutch leader also praised Kyiv’s reform efforts during wartime.

Ukraine has pushed ahead with anti-corruption measures, judicial reforms and economic restructuring despite the pressure of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Jetten said the progress made under such conditions was “impressive”.

Those reforms remain a central requirement for EU membership.

Kyiv Pushes for a Clear Date

President Zelenskyy has urged European leaders to go further by setting a firm accession target.

He argues that without a clear political commitment, the process could be delayed indefinitely by sceptical governments or geopolitical pressure from Moscow. A timeline, Kyiv says, would send a powerful signal to investors and Ukrainian citizens that the country’s European path is irreversible.

EU Divided on Speed of Enlargement

Inside the EU, however, the debate remains unresolved.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has cautioned that accession dates cannot yet be set because membership depends on meeting strict political and economic criteria.

Some EU governments also fear rapid enlargement could destabilise the bloc’s finances and decision-making structures.

Europe Preparing for a Bigger Union

The EU has already begun reviewing its own rules to prepare for potential expansion.

Officials are examining changes to budget systems and voting procedures designed decades ago for a smaller union. Ukraine’s accession would be one of the largest geopolitical shifts in the bloc’s history.

For Kyiv, the message is simple: the war may still rage, but its long-term destination remains Europe.

Netherlands to start talks with partners on Ukraine's accession timeline — Dutch PM

In my personal opinion, and I am British and therefore not part of the European political construct; Ukraine should be admitted to the EU rapidly. If any nation in Europe has earned that then Ukraine has over the last 4 years. The various criteria, social and political, can be worked on subsequently. Ukraine is existentially central to the future of Europe.

I would go further, and suggest some form of accommodation or association with NATO as well, although I understand there are probably more hurdles there.