Merz Proposes Associate EU Member Status for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed creating a new “associate member” status for Ukraine in the European Union as an interim step toward full accession.

In a letter to EU leaders, Merz said Ukrainian representatives would be allowed to take part in EU summits and ministerial meetings, but without voting rights.

He also suggested that member states make a political commitment to apply the EU’s mutual assistance clause to Ukraine, which he said would amount to an important security guarantee.

Merz said the proposal took account of Ukraine’s situation in the war and could help peace negotiations. Analysts warn that a clear prospect of EU accession may be important for President Volodymyr Zelensky as he seeks to defend any potential peace deal.

However, full EU membership for Ukraine is not considered realistic in the next few years, European officials say. Accession requires extensive reforms and the consent of all 27 member states.

(reuters, bak)