Tensions between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine are growing amid Kyiv's demands to speed up the process of country’s joining the bloc, according to some European officials, the Financial Times (FT) reported.

During the European Council summit in Cyprus, the Ukrainian delegation, according to a source, was made to understand that the accession process cannot be accelerated politically.

Ukrainian representatives in negotiations with the EU and the US insist on a quick approval of membership and criticize the enlargement policy. However, Brussels emphasizes that EU membership is possible only if the criteria are met.

EU membership is not a gift, and perhaps there is some misunderstanding in Kyiv in this regard, said one of the aforesaid officials.

Another source told FT that the Ukrainian side often says Europe owe Ukraine.

Also, European diplomats believe that even if the process is accelerated, Ukraine’s accession to the EU could take about ten years.