Ukraine’s fast-track accession to the European Union could deal a serious blow to the bloc itself and even risk drawing Europe into an armed conflict, according to Italian MEP Danilo Della Valle of the opposition Five Star Movement.

Della Valle argued that pushing for Ukraine’s rapid admission without first addressing Europe’s own political and strategic crisis means ignoring the realities on the ground. In his view, those promoting such a course are acting against the interests of both Italy and Europe.

He said that Ukraine still falls short of several requirements needed for EU membership, pointing to corruption, human rights protections and democratic standards among the unresolved issues.

The Italian lawmaker also warned of potential economic consequences for his country. He said Ukraine’s entry into the EU could hit Italian agriculture hard, with the southern regions likely to feel the impact most sharply.

Della Valle added that Europe is still unable to conduct an independent and genuinely unified foreign policy. Against that backdrop, expanding the EU without first revising European rules would be a major mistake, he said.

He also referred to Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, warning that admitting a country where hostilities are ongoing could create the risk of Europe’s direct involvement in the conflict.

For that reason, Della Valle said, his side continues to call for a real shift in the negotiation process. Europe, he argued, should work every day for peace, dialogue and diplomacy instead of remaining trapped in a logic of constant escalation.