The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Margherita Kos, has urged EU member states to initiate the first cluster of negotiations regarding Ukraine’s membership in the European Union in June, with the remaining five clusters to follow in July. This announcement was made during a press conference in Brussels on May 26.
In response to a question from Radio Liberty about the possibility of discussing “associate” membership for Ukraine as a transitional step, Kos expressed her support. She emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions, stating, “We must be prepared for how we will respond when peace comes. This period leading up to peace is truly an opportunity for all those involved in security matters in Europe, as well as those working on the enlargement process, to engage in this work.”
Kos noted that EU politicians are increasingly participating in these discussions. She highlighted that previous waves of enlargement primarily focused on assisting candidate countries in preparing for membership. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a new perspective in Europe: Ukraine can contribute to the continent’s security. This marks a significant shift in how discussions about Ukraine’s integration are framed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed immediate “innovative solutions” for Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. His suggestions were outlined in a letter addressed to the leaders of the European Commission, the European Council, and the current President of the Council of the EU, Cyprus.
Merz is advocating for further dialogue regarding the idea of associate membership for Ukraine as an interim solution toward full European integration. He believes this could facilitate peace negotiations, which many currently view as stalled. In his letter, he stated, “My proposal reflects Ukraine’s unique situation as a country at war. It will help advance peace talks as part of a regulated peace resolution,” and called for the idea to be discussed among leaders at their upcoming summit in Brussels on June 18-19.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on Merz’s proposal, asserting that Ukraine’s presence in the EU should be full and complete.
The EU plans to start membership negotiations with Ukraine in June, with discussions on associate membership also gaining traction. German Chancellor Merz has proposed innovative solutions to facilitate Ukraine's integration amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for peace talks.