Ukraine could receive EU associate membership, says Slovak politician Ivan Korčok

Ivan Korčok, deputy chairman of Slovakia’s Progressive Slovakia party, argued that Ukraine deserves an associate membership of the European Union because of its contributions to European defence. He explained that associate status would allow Ukraine to sit at EU tables without voting rights or funding, and would not jeopardise the Western Balkans countries that are advancing towards full EU accession.

Korčok cited a proposal by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and emphasised that associate membership does not replace full EU membership or relax accession criteria. He said Ukraine must still meet all requirements, while noting its strong armed forces and the security role it plays against Russian aggression.