EU Commission President: Ukraine's EU Membership Is the Strongest Security Guarantee

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for an accelerated accession process for Ukraine to the European Union, describing it as the “strongest guarantee of security” for the country after peace is achieved.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda.

Speaking at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg under the theme “The EU's Role in Securing a Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine,” von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine's integration into the EU would serve not only as a political goal but as a strategic foundation for long-term peace and stability.

“We must speed up Ukraine’s path toward joining our Union,” von der Leyen said. “This is not only a Ukrainian aspiration – it could be the most powerful security guarantee we can offer. That was a central focus of my recent discussion with President Zelenskyy in Rome.”

She cautioned against accepting any peace deal that compromises justice or Ukraine’s sovereignty. Von der Leyen warned that rushed or flawed agreements could embolden the Kremlin to escalate its aggression, potentially undermining European stability for generations to come. “A fragile peace would only sow the seeds of further instability. But a fair and durable peace can open the door to prosperity and a new framework for European security,” she added.

In contrast, von der Leyen argued, a just and enduring peace would not only pave the way for Ukraine’s prosperity but also help lay the groundwork for a new European security architecture.

The Commission President outlined three core priorities the EU must pursue to achieve a fair peace:

1. Strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities;

2. Phasing out Russian fossil fuels;

3. Accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession process.

Her remarks follow a recent meeting with President Zelenskyy in Rome on April 26, where both leaders discussed post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s future in the European community. That meeting took place following the funeral of Pope Francis.

Von der Leyen's comments reinforce the European Union’s strategic stance that Ukraine’s place lies firmly within the EU not only for its own protection but as a pillar of collective European security.

As The Gaze reported earlier, the European Union is preparing to formally propose a ban on Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, in a landmark move to cut remaining energy ties with Moscow.