Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, is set to raise the issue of Ukraine’s associate membership in the European Union during the upcoming summit in Brussels on June 18-19. A government source confirmed that this topic will be a key point of discussion.
According to the source, there is an expectation for a robust dialogue on the matter, particularly following last week’s EU-Western Balkans summit, which received positive feedback from leaders regarding a German-French initiative aimed at enhancing ties with the Western Balkans and Moldova. Merz will present his proposal for Ukraine’s associate membership and advocate for closer integration of Moldova and the Western Balkans during the European Council meeting.
The discussions at the summit will focus not only on Ukraine but also on the broader theme of EU expansion, encompassing the Western Balkans and Moldova. The source noted that EU leaders plan to engage in a more intensive dialogue on these issues at the European Council meeting scheduled for October, potentially leading to concrete decisions.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his discontent with the idea of associate membership, labeling it as “unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for Ukraine to have a meaningful voice within the EU, stating, “It would be unjust for Ukraine to be present in the European Union yet remain voiceless. It is time to move forward regarding Ukraine’s full membership in a substantial manner.”
On May 21, it was reported that Chancellor Merz had sent a letter to European leaders reiterating his proposal for Ukraine’s associate membership in the EU. This status could entail several provisions, including:
- Participation in European Council and EU Council meetings without voting rights;
- Involvement as an associated member of the Commission (without a portfolio, but with full participation except for voting);
- Associated membership in the European Parliament (without voting rights);
- Appointment of an associated judge to the European Court of Justice (formally as a “reporting assistant”);
- Gradual application of the acquis communautaire based on Ukraine’s progress in accession negotiations, subject to Council approval and protective measures;
- Partial application of the EU budget and Multiannual Financial Framework, with direct management programs being phased in according to progress in negotiations and protective provisions;
- Full alignment of Ukraine with the Common Foreign and Security Policy and a political commitment from member states to apply Article 42, paragraph 7 of the EU Treaty to Ukraine for substantive security guarantees;
- A mechanism for reverting to the previous state (or provisions for annulment) in case of a regression from fundamental EU values, including the rule of law or setbacks in accession negotiations.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed receipt of Chancellor Merz’s letter. On May 22, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Taras Kachka, indicated that if associate membership could expedite full EU membership for Ukraine, the country would be willing to agree to it. He stated, “Anything that accelerates our accession is beneficial for us. If we can participate in EU institutions as an associate member before the full ratification of the accession agreement, we support it. Neither the EU nor Ukraine can afford to waste time, especially with Russia’s aggressive behavior towards the Baltic states, the EU, and Europe as a whole.”
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to advocate for Ukraine's associate membership in the EU at the upcoming Brussels summit. The discussions will also include broader EU expansion topics involving the Western Balkans and Moldova, with potential decisions anticipated in October.