Facing an existential threat, Ukraine seeks ‘immediate’ EU membership – but can the bloc deliver?

President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that Ukraine be granted EU membership “via a new special procedure" and signed an official application to join. But despite the stated backing of several MEPs, heads of state and even European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, the support is largely symbolic; the process of joining the EU is long, complex and requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states.