Germany and France previously made a similar proposal, but it was rejected by Kyiv and lacked sufficient support from other EU countries. This week, talks on the admission procedures for new members will resume in Brussels, possibly focusing mainly on Montenegro. Ukraine has already successfully completed five of the six accession dossiers.
According to Merz’s new proposal, Ukraine would receive a form of associated membership. This would allow the country to participate in European summits and ministerial meetings, but without voting rights. Ukraine would also gain access to parts of the European budget.
Practical
Merz calls the plan a practical solution for a situation he believes cannot be quickly resolved through the regular accession procedures. He points to the political and legal obstacles that delay full membership. All EU countries must ultimately agree to new membership, which can take years.
Promotion
The German chancellor emphasizes that Ukraine should ultimately become a full member of the European Union. According to him, the proposal is not a weakened form of membership, but a temporary step to bring Ukraine closer to the EU while negotiations continue.
Security
In the plan, Ukraine would also fall under European agreements on mutual assistance. With this, Merz explicitly links the proposal to Europe's security. According to him, the war in Ukraine affects not only the country itself but the entire continent.
Merz wants to discuss his ideas with other European leaders. He advocates establishing a special working group to develop the details of the plan. Conditions regarding the rule of law are also being considered. The temporary membership could be revoked if Ukraine does not adhere to agreed norms.
Within Europe, the proposal is viewed with interest but also skepticism. Some countries fear new complicated interim structures within the European Union. There is also concern that Ukraine might remain in a transitional status for a long time without a clear prospect of full membership.
Progress
In the meantime, Ukraine is trying to advance further in the official accession negotiations with the European Union. During the war, the country has strongly focused on aligning with European institutions and regulations, including in economic and political areas. It has now processed five of the six accession dossiers.
Later this week, European countries will again discuss the EU’s enlargement and the procedures for new member states. The discussions will consider not only Ukraine but other candidate countries as well.