EU urged to safeguard Western Balkans while pursuing associate membership for Ukraine

Former European Commission President Jean‑Claude Juncker warned that the EU must not neglect the Western Balkans in its response to Ukraine’s EU aspirations. He said the Union should avoid “any gap in the emotional experience of the situation, say ‘yes’ to Ukraine’s accession and keep the Western Balkan countries subject to EU accession rules,” and stressed that no concrete dates should be promised to Ukraine without the same strict criteria applied to Balkan candidates.

German politician Friedrich Merz reiterated his proposal for “associate membership” for Ukraine and the Western Balkan states, arguing that maintaining EU credibility is essential. Merz warned, “If we lose credibility, we lose these countries, and geopolitically that would be the worst thing for Europe.” His plan, presented in a non‑paper to EU leaders, calls for step‑by‑step integration, observer status and privileged market access for Balkan nations, and a limited, non‑voting associate status for Ukraine.

Both officials highlighted the risk of division within the EU and the strategic importance of keeping the Western Balkans on a clear path toward eventual EU membership while managing Ukraine’s future relationship with the bloc.