Ukraine's EU Membership May Require Territorial Concessions, Says Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested that Ukraine may need to accept territorial losses as part of a peace deal with Russia to facilitate its European Union membership. Speaking in North Rhine-Westphalia, Merz linked potential territorial concessions to Ukraine's EU accession prospects, emphasizing that Ukraine cannot join the EU while at war. He proposed that Ukraine could take on observer roles in EU institutions as an interim step. The suggestion comes amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine's EU membership, which has been blocked by Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. With Orbán's recent electoral defeat, there is renewed hope for progress in Ukraine's accession talks. However, Merz cautioned against setting unrealistic timelines for Ukraine's membership, highlighting the need for the country to meet EU criteria, including rule of law and anti-corruption measures. 
