German Chancellor Merz proposes new "associate member" status for Ukraine in the EU

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed that Ukraine be granted a new "associate member" status in the European Union. The idea is outlined in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.

The proposed "associate member" status envisions Ukraine participating in EU summits and ministerial meetings, but without voting rights. In this way, Kyiv would be more closely tied to the Union's institutions without formally being a full member.

Merz further proposes that member states undertake a "political obligation" to apply the EU's mutual assistance clause to Ukraine "with the goal of creating a substantial security guarantee." In this way, Germany is seeking a stronger and more binding commitment to the country's security.

"Clearly, we will not be able to quickly complete the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU, given the numerous obstacles and the complex political processes of ratification," writes Merz. "What I envision is a political decision that brings Ukraine significantly closer to the European Union and its institutions immediately," he adds.

The German Chancellor states that he expects to discuss the proposal with the leaders of the European Union. According to assessments, the proposal could be met with skepticism both by some of Germany's partners in the EU and by Ukraine itself, which fears that such temporary solutions could leave it in prolonged uncertainty without a clear horizon for full membership.

Although 2027 was indicated as a possible date for Ukraine's accession to the EU in a 20-point peace plan discussed by the US, Ukraine, and Russia, European officials believe that the country's actual full membership is unlikely to happen within the next few years.