Germany's Merz proposes EU 'associate member' status for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sent a letter to EU leaders – President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides – proposing that Ukraine be granted a special “associate member” status in the European Union. The plan would let Ukrainian representatives attend EU summits and ministerial meetings and take part in certain Commission and Parliament activities, but without voting rights. Merz argued that “obviously we will not be able to complete the accession process in the short term” because of numerous political and ratification obstacles, and that the associate status would bring Ukraine “substantially closer” to the Union while supporting the peace process.

The proposal also suggested observer status for Western Balkan countries and accelerated integration mechanisms for Moldova. It included a security guarantee under the EU’s mutual‑assistance clause. Ukrainian officials have welcomed the idea, while Irish foreign minister Helen McEntee warned it could create a two‑speed accession path. The EU has not yet taken a formal decision.