How do you join the European Union?

Mar 10, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signs an official request for Ukraine to join the European Union, with Prime Minister Denys Shmygal (R) and Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk standing next to him, in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 28, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY

Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova have submitted EU membership bids in the aftermath of the Russian invasion. Image: Reuters

Emma Charlton

Writer, Forum Agenda

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for “fast-track membership”. Image: Twitter/@ZelenskyyUa

A tweet from EU Co-president Charles Michel.

Europe’s economic and political union.

A chart showing how long it takes to join the EU.

Negotiations to join the EU can take more than five years. Image: The UK in a changing Europe

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