German MP and foreign policy expert of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party Steffen Kotre believes that Ukraine will not be able to meet the necessary requirements to join the European Union for at least another 20 years.
Ukraine is very likely not to meet the criteria to become a member of the EU for at least the next 20 years" - he told Izvestia.
According to the German MP, if the EU admits Ukraine when the criteria are not met, it will be detrimental to all member states, thereby affecting the EU itself.
In the interview, this German MP also said that the German people are aware that Russian sanctions mainly harm Germany itself instead of affecting the Russian economy.
In early December 2025, the EU and Ukraine outlined an action plan to promote Ukraine to become a member of the EU.
The 10-point plan, stated in a joint statement by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, allows the EU executive body to ignore Hungary's political veto over the official opening of accession negotiations for Ukraine.
The 10-point plan also clearly states the steps that Kiev needs to take to strengthen the rule of law, further tighten the fight against corruption and strengthen the judicial system in the coming year.
