Merz proposed granting Ukraine the status of an associate member of the EU
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine the status of an ‘associate member’ of the European Union without voting rights. This is stated in a letter to EU leaders, which has been seen by Reuters and AFP.
In the document, Merz noted that it is impossible to complete Ukraine’s accession process to the EU in the near future due to “countless obstacles” and complex ratification procedures in member states.
“I see a political solution that would bring Ukraine significantly closer to the European Union and its main institutions immediately,” the letter states.
Under the Chancellor’s proposal, Ukraine could have representatives in the European Commission and the European Parliament without voting rights. Kyiv would also be able to participate in meetings of the European Council and the Council of the EU in a non-decision-making capacity.
Separately, Merz proposes creating the post of an associate member of the European Commission without a portfolio and associate members of the European Parliament. In the European Court of Justice, according to the proposal, Ukraine could have an associate judge in the role of ‘assistant rapporteur’.
The German Chancellor emphasised that such a format is not “lightweight membership”, but should be a step that goes beyond the current Association Agreement and accelerates the negotiation process.
Merz also proposed that EU countries make a political commitment to apply the provisions on mutual assistance to Ukraine in accordance with Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union. In his words, this should serve as a “substantial security guarantee” and facilitate peace negotiations.
At the same time, the Chancellor noted that implementing such a status would not require amending the EU’s founding treaties or ratification under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. In his words, a “firm political agreement” would suffice.
The letter also provides for a mechanism to terminate ‘associated member’ status should Ukraine deviate from the principles of the rule of law or significantly hinder the process of European integration.
Merz emphasised that his proposal takes into account Ukraine’s unique situation as a country at war and is important not only for Ukraine’s security but for the whole of Europe.
The German Chancellor stated that he plans to discuss his ideas with European leaders in the near future and propose the creation of a special working group to work out the details.
For other candidate countries, notably Albania, Montenegro and Moldova, Merz proposed considering ‘innovative solutions’ to accelerate European integration, including expanded access to the single market and observer status in certain EU bodies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously called on European partners to provide concrete commitments regarding the timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. He also stated that Ukraine “does not need symbolic membership”.
