Germany's Merz proposes Ukraine as EU ‘associate member’ without voting rights
Merz said the temporary status would speed Ukraine’s accession talks and add security guarantees, including mutual-assistance protections and access to some EU funds.
- On March 25, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed making Ukraine an 'associate member' of the European Union without voting rights, according to a letter seen by AFP Thursday.
- Ukraine is pushing to speed up its bid to join the 27-nation European Union while fighting Russia's invasion, especially as the United States has essentially closed the door on it joining NATO.
- Under the proposal outlined to Ursula and Antonio Costa, Ukraine could benefit from the European Union's mutual assistance clause and budget access, with non-voting representation in the European Commission.
- Kyiv's progress was previously blocked by Hungary's former premier Viktor Orban, but his ouster by Peter Magyar has raised hopes; Merz insists he still seeks Ukraine's eventual 'full member' status.
- Lawmaker Lisa Yasko asserts any country trading with Russia is on 'the wrong side of history,' advocating for a political solution to bring Ukraine immediately closer to the European Union's core institutions.
127 Articles
127 Articles
The Netherlands is not keen on quickly granting Ukraine ‘guest membership’ of the EU, as Germany proposes. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen prefers to stick to the ordinary, strict route to membership. “As far as we are concerned, we will open negotiations with Ukraine” on ordinary EU accession “and we will simply ensure that they can go through them as quickly as possible,” he said on Thursday evening.
The chancellor also calls for acceleration and innovative solutions for the other candidates, but the German proposal surprises and creates doubts in Brussels also because it risks questioning the Treaties themselves.
They’re Still Trying to Get Ukraine into the EU.
A fresh proposal from European Union leaders aims to gradually integrate Ukraine into the bloc as an “associate” member.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: European Union (EU) officials have considered making Ukraine an “Associate Member” of the EU, in the latest attempt to secure the country’s accession to the bloc. DETAIL: In a letter to fellow European Union (EU) leaders, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed granting Ukraine associate membership…
Berlin: 'Light adhesion of Ukraine'. Wadephul: 'We assume leadership role' (ANSA)
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